said by WinkNews :The National Hurricane Center says the first tropical storm of the year, Alberto, has formed off the coast of South Carolina.
Forecasters say the storm has top winds of 45 mph.
"Satellite, radar, and surface data indicate that the small surface low located off the coast of south carolina has acquired the characteristics of a tropical cyclone," the NHC said in its 5pm advisory.
A tropical storm watch could be required for a portion of the coast of the Carolinas this evening.