KEY TAKEAWAYS: Tropical depression is expected to strengthen into Tropical Storm Bertha by Tuesday. Forecast track brings the storm near southeastern Louisiana by Wednesday. Storm surge and tropical storm watches have been issued for portions of the Gulf Coast. Insurance Commissioner Tim Templ e urges residents to prepare properties and review insurance coverage before the storm.   A tropical depression that is getting better organized — and likely to become Tropical Storm Bertha later Monday — has Louisiana officials putting residents on alert for possible flooding and wind damage. As of late Monday morning, the depression was roughly 110 miles south of Panama City, Florida, and moving to the northwest at 3 mph with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph. The National Hurricane Center expects the system to move slowly northwest through Monday night before turning west-northwest and eventually west. The system is forecast to reach tropical storm strength by Tuesday morning, but conditions are currently not favorable for further intensification. By Wednesday, the storm’s center is expected to be near southeastern Louisiana, and its forecast track takes it to southeast Texas by the weekend. The National Hurricane Center put a storm surge watch into effect Monday morning along the Gulf Coast from the Alabama-Florida state line to the mouth of the Mississippi River. A tropical storm watch is also in effect from the Ocholocknee River, which meets the gulf just east of Panama City, to the Jefferson-Plaquemines parish line in Louisiana. The National Hurricane Center is expected to update its watches and warnings as the storm advances. Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple said residents should prepare for heavy rain and localized flooding this week. In a news release, he recommended property owners trim trees, clear gutters and storm drains and secure outdoor items ahead of the storm. “You should also review your homeowners and flood insurance policies, discuss potential out-of-pocket costs with your agent and keep your insurance information close at hand in the event you need to file a claim,” Temple said. More resources related to insurance are available through the state Department of Insurance website or by calling 1-800-259-5300. The new LDIConnect app also provides access to the agency’s Storm Claim Center and its consumer services office. The app is available through the App Store and Google Play. ...read more read less