Tropical Storm Alberto moved towards northeast Mexico early Thursday as the first named storm of the season. It brought heavy rains that led to three deaths but also provided hope to a region struggling with a severe drought.
Mexican authorities played down the risks associated with Alberto, focusing instead on its potential to alleviate water scarcity in the region.
Tamaulipas state Secretary of Hydrological Resources, RaĂșl Quiroga Ălvarez, stated during a news conference that the wind speeds were not significant enough to pose a threat. He encouraged people to welcome Alberto as a positive development to combat the drought that has afflicted the region for eight years.
Due to severe drought conditions in Mexico, especially in northern regions, the state’s reservoirs were at low levels, and there was a substantial water debt owed to the United States from the shared use of the Rio Grande.
While Tamaulipas saw Alberto as a beneficial event, Nuevo Leon state reported three deaths due to the storm’s rains, including one man in Monterrey and two minors in Allende.
Alberto was positioned east of Tampico, Mexico, and south-southeast of Brownsville, Texas, bringing rains and flooding to both regions.
In Mexico, residents viewed Alberto with optimism, hoping for much-needed rain. Authorities closed schools in Tamaulipas due to the potential for localized flooding.
As Alberto moved inland, it was expected to weaken and dissipate on Thursday.
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