Tropical Storm Bertha is expected to form off the Florida coast on Monday, bringing heavy rain and thunderstorms to the state's west coast, Big Bend area, and Panhandle. The storm is anticipated to produce up to 4 inches of rainfall along the Gulf Coast and adjacent inland areas, with potential for up to 6 inches in certain regions. Tropical Storm Bertha, the second named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, follows Tropical Storm Arthur in June. AccuWeather's lead hurricane expert, Alex DaSilva, notes that dry air and hostile wind shear across the Gulf will be key factors in the storm's development. While Bertha is expected to strengthen into a tropical storm, it is unlikely to become a hurricane due to Saharan dust and strong wind shear. The National Hurricane Center is monitoring two tropical waves in the Atlantic and Caribbean, with one wave in the eastern Atlantic and another in the eastern Caribbean. The Atlantic hurricane season typically runs from June 1 to November 30, with 97% of tropical cyclone activity occurring during this period. The peak of the season is September 10, with most activity between mid-August and mid-October. As for the storm's impact, the Florida Panhandle and Big Bend area are expected to experience flooding rain, with dry soil potentially exacerbating the flooding risk. The National Hurricane Center is also tracking two tropical waves, one in the eastern Atlantic and another in the eastern Caribbean. The Atlantic hurricane season typically runs from June 1 to November 30, with 97% of tropical cyclone activity occurring during this period. The peak of the season is September 10, with most activity between mid-August and mid-October. As for the storm's impact, the Florida Panhandle and Big Bend area are expected to experience flooding rain, with dry soil potentially exacerbating the flooding risk. The National Hurricane Center is also tracking two tropical waves, one in the eastern Atlantic and another in the eastern Caribbean.
