GULF OF MEXICO - The 2018 Atlantic hurricane season may be kicking off to an early start, forecasters have warned, with the potential for a system named Tropical Storm Alberto to hit the Gulf of Mexico over the Memorial Day weekend. AccuWeather Hurricane Expert Dan Kottlowski reported that states including Florida, Louisiana, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Texas may see heavy rains over the next several days, with the possibility of a hurricane developing if conditions in the Gulf worsen.

"This developing system will have a tough time strengthening while over land into most of Friday. However, once over water, it should develop into an organized tropical or subtropical storm system during the weekend," Kottlowski said. "It is not out of the question that this storm strengthens into a minimal hurricane."

According to the report, the storm may see landfall as early as Sunday or into Memorial Day, with the potential of spreading across the Southeast if the system reached “tropical storm” status. The upper Gulf Coast could be subject to widespread 4-8 inches of rain in total over the weekend, and last over the next several days.

"The flood risk is not expected to end with Memorial Day," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Brett Anderson said. "The slow movement of the storm can allow heavy rain to persist over a part of the Southeast through most of next week."

While there is no imminent risk for the produce industry, categories that may see some rain and flooding in their growing regions are as follows:

• GA, GL, TX, and SC apricots
• FL, GA, and NC blueberries
• FL, GA, TX, and SC peaches
• FL and GA sweet corn
• FL and GA greens
• GA sweet onions/Vidalia onions

Regardless of weather or not produce will be directly affected, AccuWeather suggested that downpours will create hazards for traveling and transporting over the holiday. Visibility will be reduced and the risk of vehicles hydroplaning when traveling at highway speeds will increase.

AndNowUKnow will continue to follow this storm as it develops and its potential impacts on fresh produce, so stay tuned.