This is a very impressive tropical cyclone. Most impressive that it has been able to improve so dramatically while also so close to the coast. I keep thinking of Humberto (ATL 2007).. while reportedly no storm before or since has intensified more rapidly while so close to land, comparisons can be loosely made, given 01E.'s dynamite appearance and rapid strengthening.

Hurricane Warnings are now up along the coast!

TROPICAL STORM ALMA SPECIAL DISCUSSION NUMBER 4
NWS TPC/NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL EP012008
900 AM PDT THU MAY 29 2008

SATELLITE...MICROWAVE...AND QUIKSCAT DATA INDICATE THAT ALMA IS
STRONGER THAN PREVIOUSLY ESTIMATED. THIS SPECIAL ADVISORY IS BEING
ISSUED TO INCREASE THE INITIAL AND FORECAST INTENSITY OF ALMA AND
TO ISSUE NEW HURRICANE WATCHES AND WARNINGS FOR THE WEST COAST OF
CENTRAL AMERICA. ALMA IS NOW FORECAST TO BECOME A HURRICANE PRIOR TO
MAKING LANDFALL.

FORECAST POSITIONS AND MAX WINDS

INITIAL 29/1600Z 11.7N 86.9W 55 KT
12HR VT 30/0000Z 12.5N 87.0W 65 KT
24HR VT 30/1200Z 14.0N 88.0W 30 KT...INLAND
36HR VT 31/0000Z 15.5N 89.0W 20 KT...INLAND
48HR VT 31/1200Z...DISSIPATED