First tropical storm forms two weeks ahead of season

(CNS): The National Hurricane Centre in Miami announced the first tropical storm of the 21012 Atlantic Hurricane Season on Saturday afternoon with the emergence of tropical storm Alberto off the coast of South Carolina. At 4pm local time the NHC said that the storm was packing winds of 45mph with higher gusts about 140 miles east-south –east of Charleston. The storm is moving southwest at a leisurely 3mph with tropical winds extending up to 45 miles. The NHC said it expected to issue a tropical storm watch for the Carolinas tonight. Some strengthening of the storm was also predicted over the next day or so.

Forecasters said its slow south-westward motion was expected to continue through Sunday before a turn toward to the west-northwest and then toward the north and northeast by Monday. 

Although the storm poses no threat to the Cayman Islands it comes two weeks before the official start of the 1 June 2012 hurricane season and ahead of warning s from local experts to residents to begin their preparations. Monday’s Discovery day holiday is also national preparedness day and the public is being urged to ensure they are ready for this year’s hurricane season