MIAMI — A tropical depression formed over the northeastern Gulf of Mexico on Sunday, prompting the U.S. National Hurricane Center to issue a tropical storm watch for part of the Florida Panhandle as forecasters warned the system could strengthen while bringing heavy rain, gusty winds and coastal flooding to portions of the northern Gulf Coast.
The National Hurricane Center said Tropical Depression Two was centered about 155 miles (250 km) south-southeast of Panama City, Florida, with maximum sustained winds of 30 mph (45 kph). The system was moving slowly toward the north-northwest before an expected turn toward the west that could keep it near or along the northern Gulf Coast during the coming days.
A tropical storm watch was issued from the Ochlockonee River westward to the Florida-Alabama border, meaning tropical storm conditions are possible within 36 to 48 hours. The hurricane center said gradual strengthening was forecast and the depression was expected to become a tropical storm by late Sunday or Monday if current trends continued.
Forecasters said the storm could produce heavy rainfall across parts of northern Florida, southern Alabama and portions of the central Gulf Coast, raising the risk of localized flash flooding. Gusty winds, rough surf and minor coastal inundation were also possible in areas near the storm's track.
The National Hurricane Center urged residents across the Florida Panhandle and neighboring Gulf Coast states to monitor updated forecasts, noting that additional tropical storm watches or warnings could be required if the system intensified or its projected path changed. Forecast uncertainty remained because the depression was moving slowly and environmental conditions, including wind shear and dry air, could influence its development.
Emergency management officials advised residents in vulnerable coastal and flood-prone areas to review hurricane preparedness plans and remain alert for updated guidance from local authorities and the National Weather Service. No mandatory evacuations related to the system had been announced as of Sunday.
The system is the second tropical depression of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season. As of the latest advisory, the National Hurricane Center said the depression remained below tropical storm strength but continued to organize, with further updates to be issued as new observations became available.
