Tropical Storm Bertha could form today; tropical storm watch issued for Alabama

Alabama is bracing for potential impacts from the Gulf of Mexico, where Tropical Depression Two is gathering strength. The National Hurricane Center expects the system to develop into Tropical Storm Bertha later today, prompting officials to issue tropical storm and storm surge watches for the state's coastal region.

Tracking the System

As of 1 p.m. CDT on Monday, the depression was located approximately 210 miles southeast of Mobile, crawling northwest at 3 mph. With sustained winds already reaching 35 mph, forecasters anticipate further intensification through Tuesday. The system is expected to peak with sustained winds of 50 mph within the next 36 hours as it meanders near the northern Gulf Coast.

Coastal Watches and Hazards

Tropical storm watches have been extended to include both Baldwin and Mobile counties. Additionally, a storm surge watch is in effect for those same areas, with predictions of 2 to 4 feet of surge possible.

While the National Weather Service indicates that the most significant tropical storm winds and heavy rain should remain largely confined to coastal areas, residents should remain alert. Potential impacts include:

• Rip Currents: A high risk is in effect for the Alabama coast from tonight through at least Friday.
• Heavy Rain: Although the heaviest rainfall is expected to stay offshore, forecasters have not ruled out localized heavy rain should rain bands drift toward the coast.

Looking Ahead

If Alabama experiences tropical storm-force winds, they are most likely to arrive Tuesday evening. For the remainder of the state, minimal to no impacts are currently expected.

This developing system marks the second named storm of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season. Forecasters anticipate a relatively slower season overall with fewer storms than average, and currently, there is no other activity in the Atlantic, Gulf, or Caribbean to monitor.