Tropical Storm Bertha could bring heavy rain from Florida to Texas

Tropical Depression Two is forecast to strengthen into Tropical Storm Bertha on Monday, bringing the threat of heavy rain, flooding and dangerous coastal conditions to parts of the US Gulf Coast.

According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), the system was centred south of Panama City, Florida, on Sunday.

Once sustained winds reach 40mph, it will become the second named storm of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season.

Forecasters expect the system to remain slow-moving through Monday before turning west or west-northwest on Tuesday.

Current forecasts suggest Bertha could approach the Louisiana coast between Wednesday and Thursday before possibly moving towards Texas.

Heavy rainfall is expected from the Florida Panhandle to Louisiana and Texas, with some areas forecast to receive up to eight inches of rain while lash flooding is also possible, particularly in urban areas.

Forecasters also warned of coastal flooding, storm surge and dangerous rip currents along parts of the northern Gulf Coast nad a few tropical tornadoes and waterspouts may also develop later this week.

Officials are urging residents along the Gulf Coast to monitor the latest forecasts and ensure hurricane preparations are in place as conditions could change over the coming days.