Tropical Storm Bertha forms in Gulf, brings rain and surge risk
Tropical Storm Bertha developed in the Gulf of Mexico and is expected to bring heavy rain, strong winds and storm surge to the Gulf Coast through Friday.
A tropical storm named Bertha formed in the Gulf of Mexico on Monday evening, prompting forecasters to warn of heavy rain and potential storm surge across the Gulf Coast this week. Tropical storm watches were issued from the Florida Panhandle to eastern Louisiana, and a storm surge watch covered the area from the Alabama-Florida border west to the Mississippi River mouth.
The system is projected to move slowly northwest before turning west, keeping its center near the northern Gulf Coast over the coming days. Officials said additional watches or warnings could be issued as the storm’s track becomes clearer and if it strengthens as expected.
Storm surge heights of two to four feet are possible from the Mississippi River mouth to the Alabama-Florida border, with one to three feet forecast from Morgan City, Louisiana, to the mouth of the Mississippi River and along parts of the Florida Gulf Coast. Heavy rainfall of two to four inches is anticipated across the eastern and central Gulf Coast through Friday, with isolated amounts up to eight inches, raising the risk of flash flooding, especially in urban areas.