Florida issues tropical storm watch as system could become Bertha this weekend
Category: Climate & Environment
A new tropical depression has formed in the Gulf of Mexico, prompting the National Hurricane Center (NHC) to issue a tropical storm watch for parts of Florida. This system, identified as Tropical Depression Two, is expected to strengthen and could be designated as Tropical Storm Bertha by Sunday.
As of July 19, 2026, the NHC reported that the center of Tropical Depression Two was located near latitude 28.0 north and longitude 85.3 west. The system is moving to the northwest at approximately 14 miles per hour (22 km/h), a path that is expected to continue for the next two days.
The maximum sustained winds of the depression have reached 35 mph (55 km/h), with stronger gusts possible. Meteorologists anticipate that the system will continue to intensify, potentially reaching tropical storm status this Sunday and possibly developing into a hurricane by Monday if conditions remain favorable.
A tropical storm watch has been issued for the Panhandle of Florida, stretching from the Ochlockonee River to the Alabama state line. Residents in these areas should prepare for possible storm conditions and stay updated with the latest forecasts from the NHC.
The NHC forecasts that the depression could produce rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches, with localized totals reaching up to 8 inches along the Gulf Coast from western Florida to southern Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana by Thursday. This rainfall could lead to sudden flooding, particularly in urban areas.
Authorities are advising residents in the areas under the tropical storm watch to review their emergency plans and stay alert for updates. As the storm evolves, monitoring conditions will be key to ensuring safety.
As of now, southern Florida, including Miami-Dade, Broward, and the Keys, is not under any watch or warning related to this system, but preparedness is always recommended as weather conditions can change rapidly.
For the latest updates and safety information, residents should refer to the National Hurricane Center's advisories.