Tropical Depression Two is expected to strengthen into a tropical storm later today as it drifts slowly across the northeastern Gulf of Mexico, prompting tropical storm watches and raising concerns about flooding, storm surge and dangerous surf along portions of the U.S. Gulf Coast.

As of 7 a.m. CDT Monday, the center of the depression was located about 210 miles southeast of Mobile, Alabama, moving northwest at 3 mph with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph. Air Force Hurricane Hunter aircraft are investigating the system as forecasters monitor its development.

Forecasters expect the system to strengthen gradually while moving near or along the northern Gulf Coast over the next several days. A turn toward the west-northwest and then west is forecast after the slow northwestward motion.

A tropical storm watch remains in effect for portions of the Florida Panhandle, Alabama and Mississippi, where tropical storm conditions are possible beginning tonight into Tuesday.

Storm surge of 1 to 3 feet is possible along parts of the Florida Gulf Coast, Mobile Bay and the Alabama-Mississippi coastline. Heavy rainfall of 2 to 4 inches, with isolated totals up to 6 inches, is expected through Friday from western Florida to the middle Texas coast, including southern Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana. Forecasters warn the rainfall could trigger flash flooding, particularly in urban areas.

Swells generated by the depression are already affecting portions of Florida’s Gulf Coast and are expected to spread westward, creating life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.

Source: Antigua News Room Tropical Depression Two Expected to Strengthen Into Tropical Storm Today as Gulf Coast Faces Flood Threat.