The 1 p.m. update on Subtropical Storm Alberto from the National Hurricane Center says the story is still nearly stationary.
"However, a general slow motion toward the north is expected through the weekend, followed by a northwest turn by Monday," the update states.
The NHC predicts Alberto will pass "near the eastern coast of the Yucatan peninsula tonight, be near the western tip of Cuba Saturday morning, emerge over the southeastern Gulf of Mexico by Saturday night, and approach the north-central Gulf Coast on Monday."
Maximum sustained winds are near 40 mph (65 km/h) with higher gusts, and gradual strengthening is forecast for the next 72 hours. Winds of 40 mph extend outward up to 115 miles (185 km) from the center. The estimated minimum central pressure is 1005 mb (29.68 inches).
The NHC predicts that Alberto will produce total rain accumulations of 10 to 15 inches with isolated totals of 25 inches across the northeastern portions of the Yucatan Peninsula and western Cuba. Rainfall accmumulations of 4 to 8 inches with maximum amounts of 12 inches are possible across the Florida Keys and southern and southwestern Florida. Heavy rain will likely begin to affect the central Gulf Coast region and the southeastern Untied States later this weekend and continue into early next week.
Flooding potential will increase across this region early next week as Alberto is forecast to slow down after it moves inland, according to the NHC.
The next advisory will be released at 4 p.m. today.
