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# Tropical Storm Watch issued for Florida Panhandle as Tropical Depression Two strengthens
- URL: https://tampa-bay-disaster-preparedness-news.ghost.io/tropical-depression-two-forms-as-florida-braces-for-strong-storms/
- Published: 2026-07-19T14:50:25.000Z
- Updated: 2026-07-19T15:06:23.000Z
- Description: Forecasters expect the system to become a tropical storm by Monday as heavy rain, gusty winds and coastal flooding threaten parts of the Gulf Coast.
- Author: Chris Thomas
- Tags: Breaking, tropical-depressions, News, tropical-storms

Tropical Depression Two formed Sunday over the northeastern Gulf as forecasters warned of strong thunderstorms across parts of Florida and the Southeast.

The developing tropical system and a separate weather pattern could bring heavy rain, gusty winds and localized flooding to portions of the state.

The National Hurricane Center issued a **Tropical Storm Watch** for Florida's Panhandle from the **Ochlockonee River west to the Alabama border** as Tropical Depression Two slowly strengthens over the Gulf.

> Tropical Depression [#Two](https://x.com/hashtag/Two?src=hash&ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=tampa-bay-disaster-preparedness-news.ghost.io) (02L) Advisory 1:  
>  
> Two has formed in the Eastern Gulf this morning, and may become Tropical Storm Bertha by tomorrow, as the system moves to the NW.  
>  
> Gusty winds and heavy rains are the main impacts across the Gulf Coast this week. [pic.twitter.com/TpYg3BkMME](https://t.co/TpYg3BkMME?ref=tampa-bay-disaster-preparedness-news.ghost.io)
> 
> — Weather Track US (@weathertrackus) [July 19, 2026](https://x.com/weathertrackus/status/2078857089963663701?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=tampa-bay-disaster-preparedness-news.ghost.io)

**Why it matters:** Tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area during the next **36 to 48 hours**, with additional watches and warnings likely.

**The latest:**

- Tropical Depression Two was located about **28.0°N, 85.3°W** Sunday morning.
- The system is moving **north-northwest at 2 mph**.
- Maximum sustained winds are **30 mph**.
- Forecasters expect the depression to become a **tropical storm tonight or Monday**.

**Forecast track:** The depression is expected to move near or along the northern Gulf Coast over the next several days before turning west.

> 11 am update on Sunday...the low in the Gulf we have bene tracking has organized into Tropical Depression #2\. It could become Tropical Storm Berth later today as it moves slowly toward the NW. [@Jlinkerwx](https://x.com/Jlinkerwx?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=tampa-bay-disaster-preparedness-news.ghost.io) will have an update with Weather on the Nines [pic.twitter.com/cteMQs29SB](https://t.co/cteMQs29SB?ref=tampa-bay-disaster-preparedness-news.ghost.io)
> 
> — Spectrum Bay News 9 Weather (@bn9weather) [July 19, 2026](https://x.com/bn9weather/status/2078856896832843829?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=tampa-bay-disaster-preparedness-news.ghost.io)

**Expected impacts:**

- **Wind:** Tropical storm conditions are possible across the Florida Panhandle watch area beginning late Monday.
- **Storm surge:** Water levels of **1 to 3 feet above ground** are possible along Florida's Gulf Coast from **Indian Pass to Chassahowitzka**, depending on the timing of high tide.
- **Rain:** Widespread totals of **2 to 4 inches**, with isolated amounts up to **8 inches**, are forecast from western Florida to coastal Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana through Thursday, increasing the risk of localized flash flooding.

**Bottom line:** Tropical Depression Two is expected to strengthen into the season's next named storm as it approaches the northern Gulf Coast, bringing the threat of tropical-storm-force winds, heavy rainfall and coastal flooding beginning late Monday.