Tropical Depression One has become the first named storm of the 2005 hurricane season — Tropical Storm Alberto. According to the National Hurricane Center, interests in the eastern Gulf of Mexico should monitor the progress of this system.

Reports from the Hurricane Hunter aircraft indicate the storm has strengthened into a tropical storm.

Tropical Storm Alberto is moving toward the northwest near 9mph, but is expected to turn to the Northeast within the next 24 hours.

Maximum sustained winds are near 45 mph with some strengthening possible. Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 175 miles from the center of circulation.

Tropical Storm Alberto is expected to produce total rainfall accumulations of 10 to 20 inches over the western half of Cuba and amounts of 4 to 8 inches are possible over the Florida Keys and Florida peninsula through Monday.