By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2026-07-20 14:31:56 | Updated at 2026-08-09 06:13:47
2 weeks ago
A tropical storm is predicted to erupt along the US Gulf Coast within hours as millions of Americans brace for a direct hit and life-threatening conditions.
The National Hurricane Center has already named the latest disturbance Tropical Depression Two, but forecasters expect this system to grow into a named storm as soon as Monday afternoon when wind speeds increase to more than 39 mph.
At that point, it will become Tropical Storm Bertha and it is currently on a path which will hit New Orleans head-on by Wednesday afternoon.
Heavy rain and sustained winds of more than 50 mph are expected to impact the entire Gulf region, including the Florida Panhandle, Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana and Texas.
Dangerous seas and waves up to 16 feet high could threaten boats and beachfront communities this week as Bertha barrels from east to west.
AccuWeather Meteorologist Tyler Roys said in a statement: 'Tropical systems can bring dangerous rainfall, flash flooding, and other hazardous impacts regardless of whether they receive an official designation.'
Tropical storm warnings have already been issued along the entire Florida coast by the National Weather Service, from Tallahassee to Miami, with officials saying the storm could 'capsize or damage vessels.'
Up to eight inches of rain are expected in multiple areas, including Florida's Tallahassee and Panama City, and in New Orleans, where nearly one million people live throughout the seven-parish metropolitan area.
This is a breaking story. More details to follow.
Tropical Depression Two is expected to become a named storm on Monday, July 20
Tropical Depression Two, pictured forming in the Gulf of American, is expected to become a named storm on Monday, July 20
Tropical Storm Bertha is expected to make landfall in Louisiana by Wednesday, July 22
Meteorologists expect Tropical Depression Two to continue strengthening throughout Monday, as it forms in the extremely warm waters of the Gulf of America.
Tropical depressions are the first phase of a major cyclone activity in the Atlantic, meaning the storm has formed a defined center of low pressure and some circulation, but still looks more like a largely undefined, swirling weather system on radars.
Currently, the rapidly forming cyclone has sustained winds of 35 mph, just under the threshold to be officially upgraded to a named tropical storm.
The National Hurricane Center expected stronger thunderstorms to develop and winds to pick up to between 40 and 75 mph by early Tuesday morning, when conditions will likely begin reaching their most dangerous levels.
By Tuesday night, the threat to the US is expected to peak when winds from Bertha reach 50 mph and dangerous waves form along the Gulf Coast.
'Mariners should alter plans to avoid these hazardous conditions. Remain in port, seek safe harbor, alter course, and/or secure the vessel for severe conditions,' NWS officials warned in a statement.
