Tropical Depression 2 Forms in Gulf, Tropical Storm Watch Issued
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) officially designated a large but disorganized system over the northeast Gulf of Mexico as Tropical Depression Two (TD 2) on Sunday morning, July 19, 2026. The system is located approximately 155 miles south of Panama City, Florida, moving north-northwest at 2 mph with maximum sustained winds of 30 mph and a minimum central pressure of 1011 mb.
A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued from the Ochlockonee River to the Florida-Alabama border, indicating the potential for tropical storm conditions in this area. The depression is currently moving very slowly, maintaining its center over warm Gulf waters with sea-surface temperatures estimated between 85°F and 86°F, which are conducive to gradual strengthening.
Forecasts suggest that TD 2 may intensify to reach tropical storm status before making landfall along the upper Gulf Coast. The NHC has projected rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches, with locally higher amounts reaching up to 8 inches possible from western Florida through southern Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana through Thursday. This raises concerns for flash flooding, particularly in urban areas.