Tropical Depression Two has formed in the eastern Gulf and forecasters say it could soon strengthen into Tropical Storm Bertha. The developing system is being watched closely as it organizes over warm waters during the early part of the Atlantic hurricane season.
The main concern for land is not just the storm’s name or wind speed, but the extended period of rain expected across parts of the Southeast. Forecasts indicate the system could bring several days of wet weather, raising the risk of heavy downpours and localized flooding in vulnerable areas.
Officials expect additional strengthening over the next day or so, which could allow the depression to reach tropical storm status. If that happens, Bertha would be the next named storm. Even if the system remains relatively weak, tropical weather can still produce significant rainfall and travel disruptions.
Residents across the Southeast are likely to see changing conditions as the storm moves and develops. The forecast remains focused on where the heaviest rain sets up and how quickly the system intensifies over the eastern Gulf.
