Today the National Hurricane Center posted a 5-day map of the Atlantic showing a center of possible activity in the central Atlantic with a 10% chance of development. Do I think it will develop into a tropical storm? No, but it is interesting and perhaps concerning that we are already seeing signs of activity so early in the year. No doubt this is due at least in part to the influence of the record-setting warm ocean temperatures that have occurred for the past year in the Atlantic. The official Atlantic tropical season does not start until June 1! This may be one of those years that the first named storm occurs before the official season begins, so make sure you have your preparations done early this year. The first storm name this year is Alberto. I am not sure why they have not retired this name since TS Alberto caused tremendous flooding in Georgia in 1994, but it’s been reused several times since then.
