Tropical Storm Bertha strengthens in Gulf with warnings issued along Gulf Coast

Tropical Storm Bertha has strengthened in the Gulf of America, prompting warnings across the Gulf Coast as the storm brings the potential for tropical storm conditions, heavy rain and flooding through the end of the week.

Bertha has maximum sustained winds of 60 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), and is expected to bring tropical storm conditions to parts of the Gulf Coast from the Florida Panhandle westward to southeastern Louisiana later Tuesday and Wednesday.

Tropical Storm Warnings are in effect for the Florida Panhandle and southeastern Louisiana, while Tropical Storm Watches are in effect for the New Orleans metro area and the southern Gulf Coast of Louisiana.

Coastal Flood Warnings are in effect along the Mississippi and Louisiana coastlines, where the NHC said flooding is expected.

The NHC said flash flooding will be possible through Friday along the Gulf Coast from eastern Florida to the Upper Texas coast.

As of 1 a.m. July 21, Bertha was located about 90 miles from Panama City, Fla. A National Ocean Service station reported sustained winds of 42 mph with gusts up to 49 mph.

The storm is expected to bring 2 to 4 inches of rainfall, with some areas potentially receiving up to 6 inches through Thursday.

According to the NHC forecast cone, Bertha is expected to make landfall along the Louisiana coast Thursday morning.

CALIBER will continue monitoring Tropical Storm Bertha and provide updates on the storm’s path, impacts and potential risks across the Gulf Coast.