ORLANDO, Fla. – Tropical Depression Two continues to slowly organize over the Gulf and is expected to strengthen into Tropical Storm Bertha on Monday.
The depression remains somewhat disorganized, with limited thunderstorm activity surrounding its center. However, Hurricane Hunter aircraft found slightly stronger winds Monday morning, with maximum sustained winds to 35 mph.
The latest forecast continues to keep the center of the storm away from Florida as the western high becomes the main steering feature over the next few days. The latest forecast cone takes the system more west-northwest and eventually westward toward the northern Gulf Coast.
With the Monday 2:00 P.M. update, the depression is expected to become a tropical storm later Monday. Additional wind shear and possible land interaction should keep the system from strengthening even more.
The current forecast brings Bertha near the Louisiana coast around midweek, though some adjustments to the track are still possible.
A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for portions of the Florida Panhandle and Alabama coast, where tropical storm conditions could begin as early as Monday night into Tuesday. Additional watches or warnings may be issued later Monday or early Tuesday.
Heavy rainfall is expected to be the biggest concern. Flash flooding will be possible through Friday along portions of the Gulf Coast, stretching from the Florida Panhandle westward to the middle Texas coast.
At this time, no direct impacts are expected across Central Florida.
The News 6 Weather Team will continue to monitor Tropical Depression Two, soon to become Bertha, and provide updates as the forecast evolves.