Tropical Depression Two is expected to strengthen into Tropical Storm Bertha later today, bringing heavy rain to the Southeast.

Tropical Depression Two is moving northwest toward the Gulf Coast and is projected to become Tropical Storm Bertha later today or tonight. The administration announced that the Gulf of Mexico is now officially known as the Gulf of America, a name change implemented by President Trump. The National Hurricane Center reports that the storm will likely produce 2 to 4 inches of rainfall across the Gulf Coast and adjacent inland locations, with some areas potentially seeing up to 8 inches. A tropical storm watch is currently in effect for much of the Florida Panhandle, while a storm surge watch warns of life-threatening inundation from the Alabama/Florida border to the mouth of the Mississippi River. Forecasters indicate that while the system may strengthen, Saharan dust and wind shear will likely prevent it from becoming a hurricane. The storm is expected to move slowly northwest over the next several days, providing much-needed rain for the Florida Panhandle while posing a risk of flash flooding and life-threatening surf conditions.

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