Tropical Depression Two continues its slow drift away from the Suncoast as of Monday morning, July 20th, moving northwest at a leisurely 3 miles per hour. Located near latitude 28.5 North and longitude 85.4 West, the system has strengthened slightly with maximum sustained winds near 35 mph and is forecast to officially become a tropical storm later today. While the good news is that this system is moving away from Florida’s coast toward Alabama, the slow speed means Sarasota, Bradenton, and nearby communities will experience extended periods of stormy conditions, heavy rainfall, and breezy winds throughout the day.
For anyone with water-related plans Monday, reconsider them. The Gulf of Mexico is experiencing rough conditions with hazardous small craft situations, and rip currents pose a serious risk to swimmers. The National Hurricane Center has issued a Tropical Storm Watch for the Alabama Gulf Coast from the Florida border to the Mississippi border, indicating where the system is heading as it gradually strengthens. Boaters should secure their vessels and stay docked; beachgoers should heed all warning flags and stay out of the water.
The broader picture shows Tropical Depression Two’s slow forward motion means rain will be persistent but not extreme. The system is moving through an environment with broad dry air nearby and unfavorable upper-level winds, both of which will slow its intensification. By tomorrow, conditions should begin to improve as the system continues its northwestward journey. In the meantime, avoid flooded roadways, stay informed through local weather updates, and keep an eye on Gulf conditions. Have you experienced a slow-moving system like this before on the Suncoast? How did you prepare?
