US states batten down for new storm Alberto
Florida, Alabama and Mississippi launched emergency preparations ahead of the arrival of Subtropical Storm Alberto, a slow-moving system expected to cause wet misery across the eastern US Gulf Coast.
Cuba was being pounded by rain along its western coast, raising the threat of flash floods and mudslides.
The National Hurricane Centre in Miami said the island’s rain totals could reach 25-38cm — and even 65cm in isolated areas.
Heavy downpours were expected to begin lashing parts of Florida, Louisi- ana, Mississippi and Alabama today. Tropical storm warnings have been issued for parts of Florida and Alabama, saying tropical storm conditions are possible there by tonight NZT.
The governors of Florida, Alabama and Mississippi all declared states of emergency ahead of the storm.
About 13-25cm 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 38cm.
Under overcast skies and occasional drizzle, several Gulfport, Mississippi, residents lined up to fill sandbags to block any encroaching floodwater expected as a result of Alberto.
Alberto — the first named storm of the 2018 hurricane season that officially starts on June 1 — is expected to strengthen until it reaches the northern Gulf Coast, likely tomorrow.
Meanwhile, a cyclone more powerful than any previously recorded in southern Oman slammed into the Gulf country and neighbouring Yemen, deluging a major city with nearly three years’ worth of rainfall in single day. The storm killed at least five people while more than 30 remain missing, officials said.
Cyclone Mekunu caused flash flooding that tore away whole roadways and submerged others in Salalah, Oman’s third-largest city, stranding drivers. Strong winds knocked over street lights and tore away roofing.
Three people died in Oman, and another two bodies were recovered from the Yemeni island of Socotra. More than 30 people were still missing in Socotra.