What specific areas of Florida have been ordered evacuated in advance of hurricane Alberto today?

Question

I am concerned about my daughter who lives in the Bradenton-Sarasota area, and want to know if that area is affected.

Answer 1

The people affected were about 21,000 residents of Citrus, Levy and Taylor counties.

Your daughter should not be among those asked to evacuate.

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

Tropical Storm Alberto is the first tropical storm of this year's hurricane season. It is now expected to become a hurricane within the next 24 hours, which would make it the first hurricane in the month of June since Hurricane Allison in the 1995 season.

Tropical storm-force winds (39-73 mph) extend as far as 160 miles (260 km) from the eye to the southeast and northeast, meaning that they will be felt well before the eye makes landfall. Surface observations and doppler radar data indicate that tropical storm force winds are located just offshore the Gulf Coast of Florida from Venice northward to Apalachee Bay. The storm is also expected to produce heavy rains, which could lead to potential flooding. Rainfall amounts in much of the Florida peninsula region (including the Florida Keys) could total 5 to 10 inches (125 to 250 mm) of rain through Tuesday. Storm surges of 8 to 10 feet (2.2 to 3 m) are also expected in parts of the warning area. Isolated tornadoes are also possible, along with powerful ocean waves and rip currents.

It is expected to make landfall sometime on Tuesday in the northwestern Florida peninsula, likely between Port St. Joe and Homosassa. From there, it is likely to run parallel to the East Coast of the United States as an extratropical low pressure system. The National Weather Service has issued a hurricane warning for the Florida Gulf Coast from Longboat Key to the Ochlockonee River and a tropical storm warning for the Florida Gulf Coast south of Longboat Key to Englewood and west of the Ochlonkee River to Indian Pass. As far as I know, people have been asked to urgently complete hurricane preparations but no evacuations have been ordered as yet.

Your daughter and the residents of the Florida coast are in our thoughts as are the other people likely to be affected.