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Tropical Storm Bertha is expected to make landfall in the US in just hours as millions have been warned of potential flooding and power outages along the Gulf Coast.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued tropical storm warnings across a 500-mile stretch that includes the Florida Panhandle, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas.
Bertha, which currently has sustained winds of 50mph, is now expected to make its first landfall around 5pm ET Wednesday, striking southeastern Louisiana with tropical storm strength.
Meteorologists predict the storm will 'hug' the US coastline, making multiple landfalls throughout the week in both Louisiana and Texas.
Major cities including New Orleans, Mobile, Biloxi and Houston will be in the path of Bertha, which is predicted to deliver dangerous wind gusts, several inches of rain, localized flooding and potentially hazardous storm surges along beachfront areas.
AccuWeather Meteorologist Breanna Grill said in a statement: 'While the exact track of Bertha can still fluctuate over the next couple of days, heavy rainfall and hazardous marine conditions are expected regardless of the storm’s path.'
Up to eight inches of rain is expected to fall across the Florida Panhandle on Wednesday, potentially triggering deadly flash floods in many areas as Bertha nears the coast.
AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva warned that the longer the slow-moving storm lingers around the US coastline, the higher the chances are that it causes severe flooding and potentially life-threatening conditions.
DaSilva said in a statement: 'Bertha may not be a major hurricane, but slow-moving tropical systems like this one can be just as disruptive.'
'For folks in Louisiana who are still recovering from Arthur, now is the time to check drainage around your property, avoid driving through standing water, and have a way to get updates if conditions change quickly,' the forecaster added.
Louisiana has already activated its emergency operations center as the storm nears, with the Governor's Office urging: 'Check your emergency supplies. Strong winds could result in power outages. Check on friends or loved ones who may need assistance.'
Officials with NWS added that the risk for boaters and those living along the coast could be severe this week, with Bertha capable of capsizing and damaging vessels as it strengthens and moves west.
Marinas along the Louisiana coast were largely deserted on Tuesday ahead of storm surges, where sea levels rise sharply, which are predicted to exceed three feet when Bertha reaches land.
A second landfall is expected to strike the Texas coast late Thursday night into Friday morning, slamming into the upper Texas coast between Galveston and the Sabine River-Beaumont area.
The storm is expected to weakened by then, but is still predicted to bring heavy rain, gusty winds, coastal flooding and dangerous rip currents.
Meteorologists noted that the Gulf may be spared a severe impact of the storm thanks to extreme wind shear blowing south from the northern US, which is slamming into Bertha and pushing thunderstorms away from the shore.
However, these winds may also push Bertha farther south, giving the relatively weak tropical storm a chance to strengthen into a bigger storm by using the warm waters of the Gulf as fuel.
At the same time as millions brace for a direct hit from Bertha, potentially deadly heat continues to grip the entire region in the path of the storm.
An extreme heat warning has been issued across all of Louisiana, western Mississippi and eastern Texas.
Temperatures are expected to rise into the upper 90s, with the heat index skyrocketing to 118 degrees Fahrenheit.
The heat index is the 'feels like' temperature, which is hotter when the air is more humid. On a 90-degree day, high humidity can make the 'feels like' temperature reach 105°F.
NWS issued a stark warning about the heat, stating: 'If you have AC, use it. Fans may not be adequate. Wear light-weight, light-colored clothing. Stay hydrated.'
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