New York - Heavy downpours were expected to begin lashing parts of Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.
Published: Sun 27 May 2018, 9:46 AM
Updated: Mon 28 May 2018, 10:05 AM
The Consulate General of the United Arab Emirates in New York issued a safety warning to Emiratis as heavy downpours were expected to begin lashing parts of the country on Sunday.
The consulate has posted the warning on its official Twitter account that UAE residents living in New York should exercise caution.
"For emergencies, please call 911 and do not hesitate to call the Consulate at 646-630-2575 for assistance" the consulate said on its Twitter account.
The National Hurricane Center in US issued tropical storm warnings for parts of Florida and Alabama, saying tropical storm conditions are possible there by Sunday night. The governors of Florida, Alabama and Mississippi all declared states of emergency ahead of the storm.
About 5 to 10 inches (13 to 25 centimeters) of rain are possible along affected areas in eastern Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, western Tennessee and the western Florida Panhandle. Isolated areas could see as much as 15 inches (38 centimeters).
Under overcast skies and occasional drizzle, several Gulfport, Mississippi, residents lined up to fill 10- and 20-pound (5- and 9-kilogram) bags with sand they will use to block any encroaching floodwater expected as a result of Alberto.
A subtropical storm like Alberto has a less defined and cooler center than a tropical storm, and its strongest winds are found farther from its center. Subtropical storms can develop into tropical storms, which in turn can strengthen into hurricanes.
A tropical storm warning expired for Cuba's western Pinar del Rio province, where heavy rains could trigger flash floods and mudslides, the National Hurricane Center said.
The downpours could dampen Memorial Day, the unofficial start of the summer tourist season along Gulf beaches. Along with heavy rains and high winds come rough seas and a threat of rip currents from Florida to Louisiana that can sweep swimmers out to sea.
The weather had scared off the usual crowds expected for the holiday weekend.
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