Tropical Storm Alberto weakened slightly as it approached the Gulf Coast of Florida early Tuesday, with maximum sustained winds at 65 mph, the National Hurricane Center reported. A hurricane warning was in place from the Tampa Bay area to near Tallahassee. Forecasters urged people to quickly make "preparations to protect life and property" as the eye of Alberto neared shore, the Associated Press reported. "Some potential still exists for restrengthening prior to landfall," the hurricane center said. The NHC currently predicts the storm could make landfall as early as Tuesday morning. Florida Gov. Jeb Bush issued a mandatory evacuation order for low-lying counties Dixie, Levy, Taylor, Citrus, Franklin and Wakulla, which are in the storm's path. "If you are ordered to evacuate you should do it," Bush said Monday afternoon. "Don't think you can ride out a storm. There are 17 shelters planned to be open in 11 counties and more will be open later."
