Tropical Depression Two Forms in Gulf as Forecasters Watch

The National Hurricane Center officially designated the Gulf system as Tropical Depression Two during its 10 a.m. CDT advisory Sunday, marking the second tropical depression of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season.

As of the advisory, the system had maximum sustained winds of 30 mph, meaning it has not yet reached tropical storm strength. A system must have sustained winds of at least 39 mph to be named a tropical storm.

Forecasters say gradual strengthening is expected, and the depression could become a tropical storm before making landfall. Tropical Storm Watches have already been issued for portions of the Florida Panhandle, while residents along the Gulf Coast, including Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida, are being urged to monitor the system closely.

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The biggest concern at this time isn’t expected to be wind for many areas. Heavy rainfall is forecast across portions of the northern Gulf Coast over the next several days, raising the potential for localized flash flooding, especially in low-lying and urban areas.

The Rabbit Hole will continue monitoring the system and provide updates if it strengthens or if any watches or warnings are issued for southeast Louisiana.