A tropical depression has emerged in the Gulf amid the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season. Forecasters are advising residents in four states to keep a vigilant eye on its progress. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) announced Sunday that a low-pressure area is intensifying, bringing concentrated showers and thunderstorms near its core.
NHC Deputy Director Jamie Rhome stated in a Sunday video update that Tropical Depression Two could become Hurricane Bertha, as the system slowly moves northward or northwestward over notably warm waters. “While there is a broad spin, there’s an overall lack of deep thunderstorms, and that’s what we’re really looking for to upgrade to a tropical storm,” he explained.
An Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft is scheduled to assess the disturbance Sunday afternoon to gather insights on its state and strength.
States on Alert
The primary area of concern spans four states, with forecasters urging residents to stay informed:
- Florida
- Alabama
- Mississippi
- Louisiana
A tropical storm watch has been issued for portions of the northern Gulf Coast. “For now, we’re primarily watching Florida here with this potential for tropical storm force winds over the next 48 hours,” Rhome noted on Sunday.
Heavy Rainfall and Flooding Main Concerns
The system’s precise path remains uncertain, yet meteorologists worry about extended rainfall periods. Forecasters stress that a system does not require hurricane-level strength to cause significant harm.
AccuWeather’s lead hurricane expert Alex DaSilva commented, “Wind shear is expected to weaken across the northeastern Gulf this weekend into early next week.” Combined with sea-surface temperatures in the middle to upper 80s Fahrenheit, 2-4 degrees above the average, conditions may become favorable for tropical development.
The system’s anticipated slow movement suggests it may deliver heavy rain across parts of Florida and neighboring states for days, making flash flooding a major risk for coastal and southeastern communities.
Atlantic Hurricane Season Beginning to Stir
This development follows a period of relative quiet in the Atlantic basin. Tropical activity was mostly subdued by dry air, Saharan dust, and unfavorable winds recently.
However, favorable conditions in the northeastern Gulf have caught the attention of weather experts in recent days. This disturbance signals a renewed phase of tropical activity as the Atlantic hurricane season enters its peak months.
How Residents Should Prepare
Residents from Louisiana to the Florida Peninsula should act on their hurricane plans promptly instead of waiting for formal watches or warnings. Officials suggest taking these steps now:
- Monitor local forecasts: Regularly check updates from the National Hurricane Center and local National Weather Service offices.
- Assemble emergency supplies: Ensure access to essential items including bottled water, necessary medications, flashlights, batteries, and portable phone chargers.
- Review flood plans: Those in low-lying or flood-prone areas should prepare for potential rising water, as heavy rainfall remains the main threat regardless of storm wind intensity.
Contact Newsweek editors for this story: Tobias Meyjes and Anthony Murray.