Tallahassee, Fla. – Residents along Florida’s Big Bend and Panhandle coast should use the next several hours to prepare for deteriorating marine and coastal conditions as Tropical Depression Two slowly tracks west across the northern Gulf. While a Florida landfall is not expected, the system will bring periods of heavy rain, gusty winds, rough surf and a risk of coastal flooding through the middle of the week.
According to the National Weather Service in Tallahassee and the National Hurricane Center, Tropical Depression Two was located over the northeastern Gulf Sunday evening with maximum sustained winds of 30 mph and moving west at 3 mph. The system is forecast to continue drifting westward over the next several days.
A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for the immediate Florida coastline from the Ochlockonee River westward to the Alabama state line, including nearshore Gulf waters. A Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect for offshore Gulf waters extending roughly 20 to 60 nautical miles offshore through Wednesday morning. A Small Craft Advisory is also in effect for portions of Apalachee Bay and adjacent coastal waters.
The greatest onshore impacts are expected along Apalachee Bay and the Florida Big Bend, where 1 to 3 feet of storm surge is possible in vulnerable coastal locations. Bands of showers and thunderstorms may also produce locally heavy rainfall, gusty winds and hazardous boating conditions across the Panhandle, Big Bend and nearby portions of south Georgia.
Forecasters stress that uncertainty remains regarding the exact track of the depression, meaning watches and warnings could be expanded or adjusted as the system moves west-northwest. Boaters, especially those with limited experience, are urged to remain in port until conditions improve.
Residents should closely monitor future updates, ensure they have multiple ways to receive weather warnings and avoid unnecessary travel on flooded roadways. Additional advisories and tropical updates are expected as Tropical Depression Two continues moving across the northern Gulf.
