And we're off to the races with ALMA

Tropical Storm Alma formed today right off the Nicaraguan coast as the first tropical system of 2008 in the eastern Pacfic. The storm has already knocked out power and caused flooding in low lying areas. Initial concerns that Alma might strengthen to a hurricane did not come to pass.

The eastern Pacific is predicted to have a below normal activity level this year. That still amounts to between 11 and 16 named storms with 5 to 8 expected to become hurricanes according to Wikipedia.

Alma formed as a tropical wave earlier in the week and strengthened to a tropical storm this afternoon. She is making landfall this evening and is expected to weaken significantly as she travels across Central America.

Storm Watch with: Rosemary's Thoughts, Alabama Improper, 123beta, DragonLady's World, Cao's Blog, The Amboy Times, Big Dog's Weblog, Democrat=Socialist, Conservative Cat, Pet's Garden Blog, Allie is Wired, third world county, Faultline USA, Online Gym, Alabama Improper, Woman Honor Thyself, The World According to Carl, The Pink Flamingo, Chucjk's Place, , Right Voices, and The Yankee Sailor, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.