Alberto Strengthening and Throwing off Tornadoes

The Florida Suncoast is now lighting up with warnings in advance of Alberto. The entire suncoast area is under a Tornado Watch. Funnel clouds have been sighted in De Soto and Manatee counties this morning, leading to a Tornado Warning there. Most of the Tropical Storm Watch area for Florida has now been converted to a Tropical Storm Warning for all of the west coast of Florida from Englewood to Indian Pass. The Tropical Storm Watch is still in effect for Lee and Charlotte Counties, on the extreme southern edge of Alberto's predicted path. In addition Flood Warnings, and High Surf Advisories are up for the now-predicted 8 foot storm surge from Alberto's 50 mph sustained winds.