iStock/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) — The season’s first named subtropical storm, Alberto, is nearing landfall by Pensacola, Florida, as it brings heavy rain from Florida to Georgia to the Carolinas.
The storm, which is beginning to weaken as it approaches the Gulf Coast, was about 50 miles west-southwest of Apalachicola, Florida, as of 11 a.m.
The storm is forecast to make landfall near Pensacola this afternoon, with winds reaching 40 to 50 mph in the heaviest rain bands.
States of emergency were declared in Florida, Alabama and Mississippi as the storm neared.
The biggest threat from Alberto will be the flash flooding possible near the western panhandle of Florida — Pensacola and Panama City — and Montgomery and parts of southern Alabama. Some areas could see more than 6 inches of rain.
Isolated tornadoes are also expected for most of Florida, Alabama, Georgia and the Carolinas.
After making landfall in Florida, the storm will begin to significantly weaken.
The heavy, flooding rain will reach Atlanta, the Carolinas and Birmingham, Alabama, and move into Nashville, Tennessee, Tuesday.
Midwest tornadoes possible
Almost 140 damaging storm reports, including eight tornadoes, were made Sunday from the Midwest into the Rockies, where damage was reported to homes in Wyoming.
On Monday, a huge area of severe weather is expected in the Plains. Tornadoes, damaging winds and hail are the biggest threats. Flash flooding is also possible.
Record heat hits central US
Dozens of record highs fell across the Midwest and the Great Lakes over the weekend.
The hottest temperature was in Madison, Minnesota, where it reached 102 degrees Sunday.
Chicago hit 97, the hottest temperature in the last five years, and the second-hottest temperature in May all-time.
Milwaukee reached 95 degrees, the hottest May temperature ever, and Green Bay, Wisconsin, reached 97 degrees — second-hottest temperature ever recorded in the month of May.
Even hotter temperatures are forecast for some areas Monday — with more records possible.
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