[86DSOMVERT]

Issued at: 9:33 AM CDT 6/11/06 (gateway).


Depression becomes first named storm of the 2006 season,

Interests in the eastern gulf of mexico should monitor the progress of this system.

For storm information specific to your area, including possible inland watches and warnings, please monitor products issued by your local weather office.

Reports from an air force reserve unit hurricane hunter aircraft indicate that tropical depression one has strengthened into a tropical storm.

At 1000 am cdt, 1500z, the center of tropical storm alberto was located near latitude 23.9 north, longitude 88.1 west or about 400 miles, 645 km, west of key west Florida and about 445 miles, 715 km, south-southwest of apalachicola Florida.

Alberto is moving toward the northwest near 9 mph, 15 km/hr, and a turn toward the north and northeast is expected during the next 24 hours.

Maximum sustained winds are near 45 mph, 75 km/hr, with higher gusts. Some slight strengthening is possible during the next 24 hours.

Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 175 miles, 280 km to the east of the center.

The air force aircraft recently reported a minimum central pressure of 1004 mb, 29.65 inches.

Alberto is expected to produce total rainfall accumulations of 10 to 20 inches over the western half of cuba, with isolated totals of 30 inches over the higher terrain. These rains could produce life-threatening flash floods and mud slides. Rainfall amounts of 4 to 8 inches are possible over the Florida keys and the Florida peninsula through Monday.

Repeating the 1000 am cdt position, 23.9 n, 88.1 w. Movement toward, northwest near 9 mph. Maximum sustained winds, 45 mph. Minimum central pressure, 1004 mb.

The next advisory will be issued by the national hurricane center at 400 pm cdt.