Tropical Storm Alberto picked up strength Friday afternoon as it continued its westerly trek across the far eastern tropical Atlantic.
Maximum sustained winds have increased to 60 miles per hour and additional strengthening is expected. In fact, hurricane forecaster Lexion Avila said Alberto could be upgraded to hurricane status either Saturday or Sunday.
The newly-formed tropical storm was located at 12.9 north latitude and 25.9 west longitude at 5 p.m. Friday or about 2,588 miles east of the Virgin Islands. The position of the storm was based on satellite and ship reports, according to an advisory issued by the National Hurricane Center. Alberto is moving to the west at 17 miles per hour and should continue the motion over the weekend.
Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 70 miles mainly to the north of the center. The estimated central pressure is at 999 millibars, or 29.50 inches.
Knight Quality Stations chief meteorologist Alan Archer said late Friday the storm is forecast to pass to the north of the islands in the Eastern Caribbean by Tuesday and perhaps east of the Bahamas by Thursday. But he cautioned that the storm is a long way off and could change its forecast direction as it intensifies.
Archer also noted that two impressive weather systems are set to roll off the west coast of the African continent on Saturday and Sunday, and they will be closely watched for development.
The next complete advisory will be issued by the National Hurricane Center at 11 p.m. Friday.
