MIAMI—A slow-moving weather system over the eastern Gulf of Mexico threatened to bring heavy rainfall, flash flooding and hazardous conditions across parts of the southeastern United States on Monday, prompting forecasters to issue flood alerts and closely monitor the system's development.
The U.S. National Hurricane Center said Tropical Depression Two was drifting north-northwest over the Gulf with maximum sustained winds of 30 mph (45 kph). A tropical storm watch was in effect for portions of the Florida Panhandle, where tropical storm conditions were possible within 36 to 48 hours. Forecasters said the system could strengthen into a tropical storm while producing periods of heavy rain along the Gulf Coast.
The National Weather Service's Weather Prediction Center warned that deep tropical moisture could trigger excessive rainfall from parts of the Florida Gulf Coast into sections of the central Gulf Coast and the Tennessee Valley. Localized rainfall totals exceeding 2 inches (5 cm) were possible in stronger storms, increasing the risk of flash flooding, particularly in low-lying and poor-drainage areas.
Forecasters said the heaviest rainfall was expected to remain offshore through early Monday, although heavier bands could reach portions of Florida's Gulf Coast. Additional moisture associated with the disturbance could also spread inland, extending the threat into parts of the lower Mississippi Valley if the system's track shifted farther west.
Emergency management officials urged residents in areas under flood or tropical weather alerts to monitor forecasts, avoid driving through flooded roadways and prepare for rapidly changing conditions. Authorities said localized flooding could develop quickly where repeated thunderstorms occur over the same locations.
Meteorologists cautioned that uncertainty remained regarding the depression's future track and intensity because environmental factors, including wind shear and dry air, could influence its development over the coming days. Even without significant strengthening, the system was expected to generate heavy rainfall capable of producing isolated flash flooding across parts of the Gulf Coast.
As of Monday, no widespread reports of major storm-related casualties had been confirmed by federal authorities. The National Hurricane Center and National Weather Service said they would continue issuing updated forecasts and advisories as the system evolved.
