A tropical depression that dumped as much as 4 inches of rain across parts of Tampa Bay over the weekend is expected to become a tropical storm Monday.<\/p>\n
Federal meteorologists are eyeing the system that could soon develop as the second named storm of the 2026 hurricane season. The Florida Panhandle is under a tropical storm watch, and could see more than a foot of surge as the system moves toward land overnight Monday.<\/p>\n
But as the potential storm tracks west and away from the Tampa Bay area, it may still bring a couple inches of heavy showers to the region, said Matt Anderson, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s Ruskin office.<\/p>\n
Anderson said there were “pretty minimal impacts here” over the weekend. The wettest day was Friday, when about 4 inches of rain fell in St. Petersburg and Brooksville got 2\u00bd inches.<\/p>\n
That pattern of moderate rain should continue through Tuesday, he added. The forecast calls for an inch to 1\u00bd inches of rain along the coast over the next few days. Some areas might see up to 3 inches of rain, although it’s unlikely, Anderson said.<\/p>\n
The tropical depression is about 110 miles south of Panama City and moving northwest at 3 mph, according to an 8 a.m. hurricane center advisory. The system has maximum wind speeds of 35 mph.<\/p>\n
It is expected to intensify gradually as it fights against low to moderate wind shear in the Gulf.<\/p>\n
If the system’s wind speeds rise by 5 mph, it will develop as Tropical Storm Bertha.<\/p>\n
\u2022 \u2022 \u2022<\/p>\n
Tampa Bay Times 2026 hurricane guide<\/p>\n
The 2026 hurricane season is here. Here’s what the forecasts say<\/a><\/p>\n What is a ‘super El Ni\u00f1o’? And what does it mean for hurricanes in Florida?<\/a><\/p>\n What to know about river flooding in Tampa Bay this hurricane season<\/a><\/p>\n Hurricane forecasts are overwhelming. Here’s how to read them<\/a><\/p>\n What should you pack in your storm kit? Here’s where to start<\/a><\/p>\n Get Times storm alerts on all your devices<\/a><\/p>\n How Tampa Bay seniors, others can get help evacuating<\/a><\/p>\n How to handle fires, tree limbs and other hazards after a storm<\/a><\/p>\n