Tropical Depression Alberto is Atlantic’s First Named Storm

It may not be much of a storm compared to what may follow, but Alberto, which formed off the coast of North Carolina, has become the first named storm of the 2012 Atlantic hurricane season.

However, Alberto poses no threat to land, according to the latest bulletin from the National Hurricane Center in Miami. As of 5:00 a.m. EDT it was classified as a tropical depression, located around 220 miles, 355 kms, south of Cape Hatteras North Carolina, and about 340 miles, 550 kms south of Norfolk, Virginia.

The NHC said Alberto is “moving toward the northeast near 15 mph, 24 km/h, and this general motion is expected to continue with an increase in forward speed during the next few days. The center of Alberto is expected to remain well offshore of the Mid-Atlantic coast.”

“Maximum sustained winds are near 35 mph, 55 km/h with higher gusts. Additional weakening is forecast and Alberto could become a post-tropical remnant low on Wednesday and dissipate on Thursday.”

Source: National Hurricane Center