Overview
- The National Hurricane Center upgraded Invest 91L to Tropical Depression Two on Sunday and began regular advisories as the broad Gulf low showed a better-defined center.
- Tropical Storm Watches were issued for much of the Florida Panhandle from the Ochlockonee River to the Alabama line where tropical-storm-force conditions are possible within 36 to 48 hours.
- Forecasters say the depression is likely to strengthen into Tropical Storm Bertha within a day or so if it stays over warm open water, but modest wind shear and dry air limit the window for rapid intensification.
- The main near-term hazard is prolonged heavy rain and flash flooding across the northern Gulf Coast with typical forecast totals of 2 to 4 inches and isolated amounts up to 6–8 inches, and coastal areas may see 1–3 feet of storm surge at high tide.
- Hurricane Hunter reconnaissance flights and competing model guidance will determine whether the system turns west later in the week toward Louisiana and Texas, and officials have advised mariners and coastal residents to heed small-craft advisories, rip-current warnings, and local NWS alerts.