Tropical Wave Becomes TD #2

According to Deepwater Horizon Response, the tropical wave in the western Gulf of Mexico formed into Tropical Depression #2 late Wednesday night.

There is a chance that the depression could become Tropical Storm Bonnie just before making landfall near the Texas/Mexico border later today.

Southerly swells from the tropical depression are expected to decrease today, but wave heights of two to four feet will persist along the Panhandle coast, with offshore wave heights of six to eight feet possible.

Wind speeds will decrease, and weather conditions will continue to improve.

Heat index values may reach between 99 and 103 degrees at the coast today.

Winds will shift to a west and southwest direction and persist at around five to 10 knots through the weekend. Offshore, no oil has been observed within or moving toward Eddy Franklin, and there is no clear path for the oil to enter the Florida Straits.

Florida beaches are open.