Florida Braces for Bertha: Tropical Storm Expected, Not a Hurricane

Off Florida, Tropical Depression Two is expected to strengthen into Tropical Storm Bertha later today or tonight, but it is not expected to become a hurricane due to Saharan dust and wind shear. The system could bring heavy rainfall (2-4 inches, up to 6 inches in spots) across Florida’s west coast, Big Bend, and Panhandle, with storm surge and tropical storm watches in effect for parts of the Gulf Coast; an isolated tornado is possible in the Big Bend. Swells will create life-threatening surf and rip currents along the Gulf coast. Forecasters say the system will drift northwest toward the northern Gulf Coast over the next few days, with track uncertainty; residents should monitor updates.