Tropical depression forms in Gulf, National Hurricane Center says - USA Today
A tropical depression has formed in the Gulf of Mexico and is expected to strengthen into a tropical storm as it approaches the U.S. Gulf Coast. Forecasters warn of potential high winds, heavy rains, and flash flooding across several states.
Why it matters
Early detection of tropical systems is critical for public safety and disaster preparedness in vulnerable coastal regions.
Hear this story A tropical depression continued to spin along the Gulf Coast of Florida as of late morning July 20, according to the National Hurricane Center .
The system, which had formed on Sunday, July 19, remained a tropical depression as of the 11 a.m. ET update from the hurricane center — but was "getting better organized."
Tropical storm watches were expanded for portions of the Gulf Coast. According to the hurricane center, "a tropical storm watch is in effect for Ochlockonee River, Florida, westward to the Jefferson/Plaquemines Parish border in Louisiana."
As of late morning July 20, the storm had maximum sustained winds of 35 mph and was located 120 miles south of Panama City, Florida, the hurricane center said .
Forecasters said the storm is expected to strengthen into a tropical storm as it nears the Gulf Coast, including the Florida Panhandle and coast of Alabama.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in