Tropical depression forms in Gulf; could it affect Alabama?

A tropical depression has officially formed in the Gulf, and the Florida Panhandle is already under a tropical storm watch. As we monitor the storm's progression, experts at 205focus.com note that Alabama could face similar watches within the next 24 to 48 hours.

Storm Development and Outlook

According to the National Hurricane Center, this system, currently identified as Tropical Depression Two, was stationary as of 7 p.m. CDT Sunday. Located about 180 miles south-southeast of Panama City, Florida, the depression is packing sustained winds of 30 mph. While it is currently below the 40 mph threshold required to be classified as a tropical storm, forecasters anticipate it will reach that status by Monday, likely earning the name Bertha.

The system is projected to track generally westward along or near the northern Gulf Coast over the next several days. Fortunately, it is not expected to strengthen into a hurricane, as that would require sustained winds to climb to 74 mph or higher.

What This Means for Alabama

A tropical storm watch is currently in effect for the Florida coast between the Ochlockonee River and the Alabama border. Residents should be prepared for potential tropical storm conditions as early as late Monday. The hurricane center suggests that additional watches and warnings will likely be issued shortly, potentially extending into the Alabama coastline.

The primary concern with this system is heavy rainfall. The northern Gulf Coast can expect between 2 to 4 inches of rain, with isolated totals reaching up to 8 inches through Thursday. This impact is expected to stretch from western Florida through the southern portions of Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana.

Coastal Safety and Probabilities

For those on the Alabama coast, the National Weather Service in Mobile is warning of a high risk for rip currents beginning Wednesday. The region should also prepare for high rain chances, strong winds, and choppy seas. Current projections indicate a 10 to 30 percent probability of tropical-storm-force winds (39 mph to 73 mph) impacting the Alabama coastline.

So far this season, only one named storm—the brief and weak Tropical Storm Arthur—has formed, which hit eastern Texas in mid-June. Despite this current development, NOAA maintains expectations for fewer storms than average for the remainder of the Atlantic hurricane season, which concludes on Nov. 30.

For more details on the original report, you can view the update here.