FLORIDA

Subtropical storm may hit coast hard

ST. PETERSBURG — Florida and Mississippi launched emergency preparations Saturday ahead of the arrival of Subtropical Storm Alberto, a slow-moving system expected to cause wet misery across the eastern US Gulf Coast over the holiday weekend. Cuba is also bracing for inundations and high winds along its western coast that could spark flash floods and mudslides. Heavy rain is expected to lash parts of Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama on Sunday. (AP)

HAWAII

Erupting volcano ruins 82 buildings

HONOLULU — The number of structures destroyed by lava from Kilauea volcano has risen to 82, officials said. The number includes about 37 homes. The volcano has been erupting for three weeks, spewing lava from cracks that emerged in neighborhoods and sending ash sky-high from its summit. Earthquakes also have been occurring. About 2,000 people have been ordered to leave their homes. (AP)

ARIZONA

Fire threat shuts 4 national forests

FLAGSTAFF — Four national forests have been closed in Arizona, where conditions are ripe for large-scale wildfires. Parts of the Apache-Sitgreaves, Coconino, Kaibab, and Tonto forests are closed because dry vegetation can quickly burn, firefighters would have a hard time stopping the blazes, and homes and water resources are at risk. In New Mexico, fire restrictions are in place, but no forests have closed. (AP)