MOBILE, Ala. — Gulf Coast states are preparing for Tropical Storm Bertha, which is set to deliver life-threatening storm surge, tropical downpours and gusty winds to parts of Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana, with impacts increasing through the day on Wednesday.
The Louisiana Health Department urged people on Monday to review their emergency plans and stock up on supplies.
The City of New Orleans advised residents to complete their storm preparations by Tuesday and clear catch basins around their properties.
Louisiana State University (LSU) began monitoring Bertha when it was still a tropical depression.
Entergy, Louisiana's largest electric utility, said it will provide live updates of any power outages and asked people to have their emergency kits ready.
Meanwhile, energy company Chevron told FOX Weather it had moved all personnel from its Petronius platform onshore.
The company said it also moved people from its Tubular Bells and Blind Faith platforms.
"Chevron will continue to closely monitor the storm. We remain focused on the safety of our workforce, the integrity of our facilities and the protection of the environment," Chevron said in a statement.
Alabama's Emergency Management Agency shared information on assembling a disaster supply kit and Mobile County asked people to stay out of the water due to the High Rip Current Risk caused by Bertha.
The City of Orange Beach, Alabama, urged residents and property owners to secure boats and loose outdoor furniture in preparation for any potential storm surge flooding.
Check back for updates on this developing story.
Original article source: Gulf Coast communities prepare as Tropical Storm Bertha's outer bands begin to lash coastline
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