Published on Monday, June 12, 2006
in the Central Florida News 13

Alberto Brings Rain To Central Florida

The rains dropped by Alberto surprised tourists but may help firefighters.

Many of the visitors we caught up with were dressed for some fun in the sun and but instead got soaked. Some say they were planning to get wet anyway.

Tourists in the area will have to come up with some indoor plans for the next few days as Alberto's rain bands move through Central Florida.

Rain dropped by Alberto is expected to cause some headaches for drivers.

State troopers say oil mixed with rain will make the roads exceptionally slick, and they have some tips to help drivers stay safe on the roads.

• Be sure you allow extra time on your trip.
• Remember to turn on your headlights to allow you to see, and others to see you.
• Do not drive through standing water if you do not know how deep it is.
• Look out for puddles that could cause you to hydroplane and lose control.
• Trooper Kim Miller from the Florida Highway Patrol said, "We want people to remember people need to decrease their speed, and increase the distance between their vehicle and the one in front of them."

Troopers also say you should check to make sure your windshield wipers and tires are road ready before you head out on the road.

Fire officials in Osceola County are hoping Alberto will bring enough rain to lessen the impact of this 150-acre brushfire near the attractions.

The Division of Forestry says the wildfire that was ignited a few days ago by lightning is now fully contained.

Thick smoke was causing a number of road closures in the area of U.S. 192 and State Road 429 however, Florida Highway Patrol troopers now say the roads are open.

Fire crews across the state say the amount of rain expected from tropical storm Alberto is exactly what they need to help fight the fires.

So far this year, over 3,000 different wildfires have burned across the state, scorching more than 176,000 acres.

The rain is badly needed, but crews are also concerned about winds, which could pose a problem.