Gulf Coast states prepare as storm moves closer

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — This state and Mississippi launched emergency preparations Saturday ahead of the arrival of Subtropical Storm Alberto, a system expected to cause wet misery across the eastern U.S. Gulf Coast over the holiday weekend.

In Alabama, Gov. Kay Ivey declared a state of emergency for 40 counties across the southern portion of the state. Ivey’s announcement said Alabama residents should be “prepared for the potential of significant flooding.”

Elsewhere, Cuba was being pounded by rain along its western coast, raising the threat of flash floods and mudslides. The National Hurricane Center in Miami said the island’s rain totals could reach 10 to 15 inches — and even 25 inches in isolated areas.

Heavy downpours were expected to begin lashing parts of Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama today. The Florida Keys could see as much as 10 inches of rain, the hurricane center said. Tropical storm warnings have been issued for parts of Florida and Alabama.

About 5 to 10 inches 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.

Under overcast skies and occasional drizzle, several residents of Gulfport, Mississippi, lined up to fill 10- and 20-pound bags with sand they will use to block any encroaching floodwater expected as a result of Alberto.

Tommy Whitlock said sandbagging has become a usual event in his life because he lives next to a creek.

“We get water from other neighborhoods, and water can get up to a foot deep in some places,” Whitlock said.

Eddy Warner, a retired consultant for a construction company, filled bags while waiting for his nephew to come help transport them home to protect his garage.

“I’m 65 years old and too old to be doing this,” he said, laughing.

Alberto — the first named storm of the 2018 hurricane season, which officially starts Friday — is expected to strengthen until it reaches the northern Gulf Coast, likely Monday night.

Rogelio V. Solis / Associated Press Residents shovel sand at a bagging location in Gulfport, Miss., ahead of Subtropical Storm Alberto. Heavy downpours from the storm were expected to begin lashing parts of the Gulf Coast today.