CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas − An enormous storm system sweeping across the Gulf of Mexico strengthened Wednesday into Tropical Storm Alberto, the first named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, as parts of Texas braced for almost a foot of rain. Areas of Mexico could be deluged with 20 inches.
The National Hurricane Center issued a tropical storm warning for the Texas coast from San Luis Pass south to the mouth of the Rio Grande River. Gov. Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration for 51 counties and activated three platoons of the Texas National Guard, including more than 40 personnel, 20 vehicles and Chinook helicopters.
“Several hazards will be felt over South Texas through Thursday due to the large extent and slow movement of this system,” the National Weather Service in Corpus Christi warned.