Tropical Depression Two expected to become Storm Bertha, bringing rain and coastal hazards from Florida to Texas

The National Hurricane Center issued its first advisory on Tropical Depression Two late Sunday, noting that the system is centered south of Panama City, Florida. Forecast models indicate it will reach sustained winds of about 40 mph on Monday, at which point it will be named Tropical Storm Bertha, the second named storm of the 2026 Atlantic season.

Bertha is expected to remain nearly stationary through Monday before turning west or west-northwest on Tuesday. While the exact track remains uncertain, projections show the storm could approach the Louisiana coast by Wednesday-Thursday and potentially move toward Texas later in the week.

Meteorologists highlighted that the storm will need to contend with wind shear and dry air, factors that could limit its intensification. If the center stays over the warm Gulf waters, the storm could strengthen further; land interaction would likely weaken it.

The agency warned that heavy rainfall of up to eight inches is possible from the Florida Panhandle through Louisiana and Texas, raising the risk of flash flooding, especially in urban areas. Coastal flooding and storm surge could occur during high tide, and rip currents are expected along Gulf beaches. A small chance of tropical tornadoes or waterspouts also exists.

Residents along the Gulf Coast are advised to monitor updates closely and review hurricane preparedness measures.