Tropical Depression Two is expected to strengthen into Tropical Storm Bertha as it moves toward the Gulf Coast.
Tropical Depression Two is currently developing in the northeastern Gulf and is projected to become Tropical Storm Bertha by Monday. The National Hurricane Center has issued a Tropical Storm Watch for the Florida Panhandle, while the system is expected to move slowly toward the north-northwest over the coming days. The storm is forecast to bring tropical storm-force gusts exceeding 40 mph and widespread rainfall of 2 to 4 inches, with isolated totals reaching 8 inches. A storm surge of 1 to 3 feet is possible along Florida’s Big Bend region. While the system is currently battling dry air, weak steering currents may allow for additional strengthening as it approaches the coasts of Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. Meteorologists are monitoring a potential shift in the storm's track by late Tuesday, which could bring the system toward southeast Texas by Thursday or Friday. Hurricane Hunter aircraft are scheduled to fly into the system to gather critical data on wind and pressure to improve the accuracy of the forecast.