Tropical Storm Bertha Brings Rain and Warnings to Northern Gulf Coast
Tropical Storm Bertha, moving west at about 6 mph, is expected to stay near the northern Gulf Coast through Friday, bringing 1-4 inches of rain, possible flash flooding and storm surge up to 4 feet.
Tropical Storm Bertha began affecting the northern Gulf Coast early Wednesday, prompting a series of tropical storm warnings and watches. The National Hurricane Center said the storm is moving westward at roughly 6 mph and is expected to continue this track through Friday, with maximum sustained winds near 50 mph and gradual weakening forecast.
A tropical storm warning was issued from the Bay/Gulf County line in Florida to Morgan City, Louisiana, and also covers New Orleans and Lake Pontchartrain. A tropical storm watch extends from west of Morgan City to Cameron, Louisiana, and includes Lake Maurepas.
"Tropical storm conditions will continue spreading across portions of the northern Gulf Coast within the warning area through the day," the center said early Wednesday.
"Tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area in Louisiana by tonight," the agency added.
The center projected rainfall totals of 1 to 4 inches, with isolated amounts up to 6 inches, from western Florida through southern Louisiana through Thursday. It warned that such rainfall could cause isolated flash flooding, especially in urban areas, and that storm surge could raise water levels up to 4 feet in some coastal locations.