The first named storm of the hurricane season made landfall in Mexico on Thursday, bringing heavy rain and flooding to the country's Gulf Coast and Texas.

Storm Alberto's Impact on Mexico and Texas

Alberto, which weakened from a tropical storm to a depression, is moving inland over Mexico with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph, according to an update from the National Hurricane Center at 10 a.m. local time. Initially, the storm hit with greater force, raising significant concerns across the region.

Weather Conditions and Warnings

Heavy rains and gusty winds have begun to subside along the Texas coast, but moderate coastal flooding is still expected through the morning, as noted in a public advisory from the National Hurricane Center. Life-threatening flooding and mudslides are anticipated in certain areas of northeastern Mexico, underscoring the storm's severity.

A tropical storm warning for the Texas coast from San Luis Pass southward to the mouth of the Rio Grande was lifted early Thursday. However, a warning remains in effect for the northeastern coast of Mexico from south of the mouth of the Rio Grande to Tecolutla, highlighting ongoing risks.

Flooding and Emergency Response

On Wednesday, parts of Texas experienced moderate flooding, with streets turning into waterways. In response to the advancing storm, Governor Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration for 51 Texas counties to ensure that Texans and at-risk regions had the necessary resources and personnel to respond effectively to the storm. “To ensure Texans and at-risk regions have the resources and personnel needed to respond to this storm,” Abbott stated.

The Texas A&M Forest Service mobilized at least four teams comprising 100 personnel and 24 vehicles. Additionally, the Texas National Guard prepared three platoons with over 40 personnel and 20 vehicles, including Chinook helicopters, ready for deployment.

Storm Formation and Immediate Impact

Alberto, the first named tropical storm of the hurricane season, formed earlier in the day in the Southwestern Gulf of Mexico and was located approximately 305 miles south-southeast of Brownsville, Texas. Vehicles navigating through flooded streets in Surfside Beach, Texas, underscored the storm's immediate impact.

The National Weather Service advised residents in areas expected to be affected by the storm to have at least five to seven days' worth of food, water, and other essential supplies on hand. In Surfside Beach in Brazoria County, cars could be seen driving down flooded roads, indicating the urgent need for preparedness.

Heat Wave Amid Storm

The storm's arrival coincided with a heat wave expected to last through at least Friday, with over 82 million people under some form of heat advisory on Wednesday. This added another layer of complexity to the emergency response efforts.

Forecast and Future Impact

The National Hurricane Center forecasted that Alberto's center would move west into Mexico before weakening and likely dissipating by Thursday night. Parts of Mexico, including Coahuila, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas, are expected to receive maximum rainfall totals of 20 inches, which could exacerbate flooding and other storm-related impacts.

Tragic Outcomes and Predictions

Already, the storm system has been linked to fatalities in Mexico. Civil protection authorities in the northern state of Nuevo León reported that one man died in the La Silla River in Monterrey, the state capital. Additionally, two minors died from electric shocks in the municipality of Allende, further illustrating the storm's deadly potential.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has predicted that the hurricane season, which began on June 1 and runs through November 30, is likely to be well above average. Their forecast calls for as many as 17 to 25 named storms, including up to 13 hurricanes and four major hurricanes, indicating a potentially very active and dangerous season ahead.

As this first storm of the season demonstrates, the region must remain vigilant and prepared for the heightened activity predicted in the coming months.