WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — According to the National Hurricane Center's 10 p.m. CDT advisory Sunday, the depression has maximum sustained winds of 30 mph and is moving NNW at 3 mph.
Forecasters expect the system to gradually strengthen, with Tropical Depression Two forecast to become a tropical storm as it moves toward the northern Gulf Coast in the next 24 hours.
The greatest threat from the system is expected to be heavy rainfall across portions of the Florida Panhandle, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana. Gusty winds, coastal flooding and rough surf are also possible along portions of the northern Gulf Coast.
For the Palm Beaches and Treasure Coast, no direct tropical impacts are expected.
However, the broader circulation around Tropical Depression Two is helping maintain a southerly flow across Florida, contributing to the area's unsettled weather pattern with scattered showers and thunderstorms.
Residents across the northern Gulf coast are encouraged to keep an eye on the forecast as the system develops.
TRACKING THE TROPICS: Hurricane Center | Hurricane Guide
A tropical storm watch is in effect for Ochlockonee river to the FL/AL border. A tropical watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible withing the watch area during the next 24-48 hours.
A slow northwestward motion is expected during the next day or two followed by a turn to the west. On this track, the depression will move near or along the northern Gulf coast during the next several days.
The tropical depression is expected to produce rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches with locally higher totals around 8 inches through Friday along the Gulf Coast and adjacent inland locations from western Florida to the Middle Texas Coast, including southern portions of Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana.
This rainfall may produce areas of flash flooding, especially in urban areas.
WPTV First Alert Weather meteorologists will continue monitoring the system and provide updates as new advisories are issued by the National Hurricane Center.
Stay with WPTV for the latest on the tropics.
