Tropical Storm Bertha threatens northern Gulf coast with heavy rain

Tropical Storm Bertha brings heavy rain and storm surge threat to northern Gulf coast

Tropical Storm Bertha was located about 105 miles (165 km) south of Panama City, Florida, the National Hurricane Center said, carrying maximum sustained winds of 40 mph (65 km/h) on Monday and moving northwest at about 3 mph; the center warned the storm will move near or along the northern Gulf coast over the next several days with a life-threatening storm surge and heavy rainfall possible.

Forecasters said tropical-storm-force winds extended up to 70 miles from the storm center and that Bertha could produce 1–4 ft storm surges along parts of the Louisiana and Mississippi coastlines, with some areas potentially seeing up to 8 in (20 cm) of rain by Friday; isolated tornadoes were possible in Florida.

An updated NHC bulletin said the storm may strengthen over the coming days and could make landfall near New Orleans, Louisiana, by Wednesday, with officials noting flash flooding risks in urban areas as the system drifts west toward Texas.

A tropical storm watch is in effect from the Ochlockonee River, Florida, westward to the Jefferson/Plaquemines Parish border in Louisiana, and local authorities in New Orleans have distributed sandbags and urged residents to clear storm drains, while forecasts indicate Bertha may weaken to a tropical depression by Thursday and possibly dissipate by the end of the week near the Texas coast.

Liberal News Analysis: What Does This Development Mean?

The National Hurricane Center situates Bertha about 105 miles south of Panama City, Florida, with 40 mph (65 km/h) winds and a northwest motion near 3 mph. Tropical-storm-force winds reached 70 miles from the center, and projected impacts include 1–4 ft storm surge along parts of the Louisiana and Mississippi coasts, up to 8 in (20 cm) of rain in some areas by Friday, isolated tornadoes in Florida, and urban flash flooding risks. A tropical storm watch covers the Ochlockonee River, Florida, westward to the Jefferson/Plaquemines Parish border in Louisiana; forecasters indicated potential landfall near New Orleans by Wednesday and expected weakening to a tropical depression by Thursday with possible dissipation by week’s end near Texas.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

• Bertha located about 105 miles (165 km) south of Panama City, Florida, with 40 mph (65 km/h) winds.
• Tropical-storm-force winds extend 70 miles from the center; 1–4 ft storm surge possible along parts of Louisiana and Mississippi.
• Some areas could receive up to 8 in (20 cm) of rain by Friday; isolated tornadoes and urban flash flooding are possible.