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Tropical Storm Bertha is moving west across the Gulf, prompting a tropical storm watch for parts of the Texas coast as forecasters monitor the system’s potential impacts in the latest National Hurricane Center advisory.
The storm is moving westward after developing in the Gulf, with forecasters watching its track and intensity closely. While some strengthening is possible, conditions are expected to limit Bertha’s ability to intensify.
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Where is Tropical Storm Bertha headed?
As of the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center, Tropical Storm Bertha was located over the Gulf of Mexico and moving toward the western Gulf Coast.
A tropical storm watch has been issued for portions of the Texas coast, meaning tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area, generally within 48 hours.
Forecasters will continue to adjust the forecast as Bertha moves closer to land, since small changes in the storm’s track could shift where the heaviest rain and strongest winds occur.
Will Tropical Storm Bertha become a hurricane?
Bertha is not currently forecast to become a hurricane before reaching the Gulf Coast.
The storm is facing environmental conditions that could limit strengthening, including wind shear and dry air that can disrupt tropical systems. While storms can change unexpectedly, the current forecast does not call for a hurricane impact to Texas.
Is a hurricane coming to Texas?
No hurricane is currently headed toward Texas, according to the latest forecast from the National Hurricane Center. Bertha remains a tropical storm and is expected to bring heavy rain, gusty winds and coastal impacts as it approaches the western Gulf Coast.
What impacts will Bertha bring to Texas?
The biggest threats from Bertha will likely be heavy rain, flooding, gusty winds and rough coastal conditions.
Parts of the Gulf Coast could see several inches of rainfall, with locally higher totals possible where thunderstorms repeatedly move over the same areas.
What does a tropical storm watch mean?
A tropical storm watch means tropical storm conditions are possible in the watch area, typically within 48 hours.
It does not mean those conditions are guaranteed, but it signals that residents should begin preparing and stay updated on the latest forecast.
Highlights on what Tropical Storm Bertha is doing now
Special note on the NHC cone: The forecast track shows the most likely path of the center of the storm. It does not illustrate the full width of the storm or its impacts, and the center of the storm could travel outside the cone. In 2026, the Hurricane Center is experimenting with a new cone to include 90% of forecast track possibilities instead of the previous 67% forecast error.
- Location: 45 miles northeast of the mouth of the Mississippi River; 60 miles south of Pascagoula, Mississippi
- Maximum wind speed: 50 mph
- Direction: west at 5 mph
Where is Tropical Storm Bertha right now?
As of the 8 a.m. July 22 advisory from the National Hurricane Center, Bertha was located:
- 100 miles southwest of Pensacola
- 176 miles west of Panama City
- 261 miles west of Tallahassee
- 392 miles west of Sarasota
Spaghetti models for Tropical Storm Bertha
➤ Spaghetti models for Tropical Storm Bertha
Special note about spaghetti models: Illustrations include an array of forecast tools and models, and not all are created equal. The Hurricane Center uses only the top four or five highest performing models to help make its forecasts.
Where will Tropical Storm Bertha make landfall?
AccuWeather forecasters are predicting Bertha will make landfall in southeastern Louisiana late July 22.
Afterward, "Bertha is forecast to meander back toward the southern Louisiana coast on Thursday (July 23), briefly emerge over the northern Gulf, and then move back onshore in Texas by the end of the week."
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Brandi D. Addison covers weather across the nation as the Weather Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network and contributes to Texas Connect coverage across the state. She can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Facebook here
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Is there a hurricane coming to Texas? Tropical Storm Bertha heads west
