This is from my AI,using brave, I have yet to find a really good search engine,most are biased left.Storm wise hopefully the bias is non-existent.
Tropical Depression Two, which formed in the Gulf of Mexico off Florida's west coast on Sunday, July 19, is expected to intensify into Tropical Storm Bertha by Sunday night or Monday. The system is currently moving slowly north-northwest at 2 mph with maximum sustained winds of 30 mph, and forecasters warn that it will likely crawl along the northern Gulf Coast for several days.
A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for the Florida coast from the Ochlockonee River westward to the Alabama border, indicating that tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of at least 39 mph) are possible within 36 to 48 hours. Additional watches may be issued for parts of Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana as the system develops.
The primary threat to the region is heavy rainfall, with 2 to 4 inches expected and isolated amounts reaching up to 8 inches through Thursday. This moisture poses a significant risk for flash flooding, particularly in low-lying urban areas and along the eastern and central Gulf Coast. While wind speeds are not forecast to reach hurricane status due to dry air and wind shear, storm surges of 1 to 3 feet above normal are possible along the Big Bend region of Florida.
Copy As of Monday, July 20, 2026, the system previously known as Tropical Depression Two has strengthened into Tropical Storm Bertha. The storm remains a slow-moving threat, crawling along the northern Gulf Coast with a forecast track that keeps it near or over the water for the next several days.
Current Status and Track
Bertha is currently located approximately 155 miles south of Panama City, Florida, moving north-northwest at a sluggish 2 mph. Maximum sustained winds have increased to 30–40 mph, with forecasts suggesting the storm could reach winds of up to 60 mph by Wednesday morning as it turns westward. The slow motion is due to the storm being trapped between two high-pressure systems, causing it to meander rather than move quickly inland.
A Tropical Storm Watch remains in effect for the Florida coast from the Ochlockonee River westward to the Alabama border. This indicates that tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 mph or higher) are possible within the next 36 to 48 hours. Forecasters warn that additional watches may be issued for parts of Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana as the system's path becomes clearer.
Heavy Rainfall & Flooding: The most significant threat is persistent heavy rain. Forecasts predict 2 to 4 inches of rainfall across the Florida Panhandle and the Big Bend region, with isolated totals reaching 8 inches through Thursday.
The ground, currently hardened by drought conditions, may struggle to absorb the water, increasing the risk of flash flooding in urban areas and low-lying zones. Storm Surge:
A storm surge of 1 to 3 feet above normal tide levels is possible along the coast from Indian Pass to Chassahowitzka. The risk is highest if the surge coincides with high tide.
Dangerous Surf:
Swells generated by Bertha are causing life-threatening surf conditions and strong rip currents along the Gulf Coast of Florida. Wave heights are forecast to reach 4 to 8 feet through Tuesday, making beach activities extremely dangerous.
Tropical Storm Bertha rainfall forecast Florida View all Outlook While dry air and wind shear are expected to prevent Bertha from becoming a hurricane, its slow movement prolongs the exposure to rain and wind for the Gulf Coast.
Residents and travelers from the Florida Panhandle to Texas are advised to monitor local forecasts closely, as the storm's westward turn later in the week could bring impacts further down the coast.
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If you look a the overall system it's actually controlling what looks like light showers some 50-75 miles offshore of the east coast of Florida. To me that's a giant storm! I couldn't even estimate the length of it's circulation but its big.
