Currently moving northward through the Gulf of Mexico, Subtropical Storm Alberto has reportedly strengthened overnight and is producing heavy rains and maximum sustained winds of 50 mph over South Florida.

According to the National Hurricane Center’s 11 a.m. update, Alberto is currently 130 miles east of Tampa and is expected to make landfall on the Gulf Coast by the evening of Monday, May 28. Some additional strengthening is forecast before the system reaches the northern Gulf Coast, where it is expected to begin to weaken over land.

The effects of Alberto are predicted to be felt in the Jacksonville area by around 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 27.

Florida Governor Rick Scott officially declared a state of emergency yesterday in response to Alberto and this morning he tweeted that the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles has prepared two Quick Response Force Teams comprised of 66 state troopers. These teams will reportedly be available to deploy to any area in need of assistance as a result of Alberto.

The NHC has issued A Storm Surge Watch from Crystal River to the Florida/Alabama border.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Bonita Beach area to the Mississippi/Alabama border.

Spinnaker will keep you updated as more information becomes available.

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