SerpApi.Org
Tropical Storm Bertha has become an overnight threat, and the Gulf Coast is preparing for the worst. As of 8 AM EST, the National Hurricane Center announced that the tropical storm is still on a slow but steady path toward Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana.
With sustained winds of 50 MPH and a chance of slight strengthening through Tuesday, this messy storm is bringing less rain and more coastal flooding to the Gulf Coast.
The Storm Is Disorganized But Still Threatening
As far as tropical storms go, Bertha is lopsided, meaning instability and inconsistent weather patterns within its loose vortex. While 100-plus-degree temperatures in the Gulf aided in Bertha's rotation, this same heat pattern is also what's causing her uncertain weather threat. Currently, Bertha is tracking further west, heading toward Louisiana, where the effects will likely be felt in Southeast Texas.
However, the threat to cities such as Houston is still relatively low. As Tropical Storm Bertha makes landfall, it's expected to weaken throughout the week. Unfavorable upper-level winds and dry air continue to weaken the rotation, keeping Bertha from becoming a monster of a storm. Near-record-breaking heat in the Gulf causes rising water temperatures—which is fuel for storms such as this—but dry air limits intensity.
Because of this, heavy rain and strong winds will be kept mostly offshore due to lopsided development. By Wednesday, the Gulf will see some bands of heavy rain and wind come through, but with no widespread impact. The bigger concern following Bertha's landfall is the incoming rain threat from the Southeast. As the remnants of the tropical storm meet the South, a stalling cold front in the region pulls moisture up from the Gulf. This may result in heavy, flooding rain throughout the Carolinas.
No Severe Weather, But a Messy Outlook For the Week
While Bertha is expected to remain a weak tropical storm, the Gulf Coast, including coastal towns in Mississippi and Louisiana, will have a messy week. By Saturday, the tropical storm hits Texas in what's forecast to be its weakest state. In between, the slow-moving storm will bring medium-high wind and the occasional rainstorm as it slogs across the Gulf.
- Tuesday, 8 AM: 50 MPH winds off the coast of Alabama
- Tuesday, 2 PM: Peak 60 MPH winds off the coast between Panama City and Pensacola
- Wednesday, 2 AM: Sustained 50 MPH winds as Bertha nears the Mississippi coast
- Wednesday, 2 PM: Drop to 45 MPH winds as Bertha makes landfall near Gulfport
- Thursday, 2 AM: Bertha hugs the coast with 40 MPH winds as it passes New Orleans, Louisiana
- Thursday, 2 PM: Wind shear drops to 35 MPH as the storm moves past Lafayette, Abbeville, and Lake Charles
- Friday, 2 AM: Sustained 35 MPH winds continue as the storm moves through Beaumont, Texas
- Saturday, 2 AM: Bertha is weakest when it moves onto land and passes Houston, bringing 30 MPH winds to Somerville
However, meteorologists report that Bertha could weaken further due to strong wind shear in Louisiana. If this scenario plays out, the tropical storm could dissipate as soon as Thursday. This wind shear is also keeping the majority of Bertha's thunderstorms south of its center, which is good news for those living along the Gulf Coast.
The most travel delays will most likely be seen mid-week as Bertha makes landfall.
Although there's a chance of weakening, residents in the Gulf should still take the Tropical Storm Warning for Alabama, Mississippi, and eastern Louisiana seriously. Tropical Storm Watches have also extended into New Orleans and Panama City Beach on either side as a precaution.
Overall, residents on the Gulf Coast can expect localized flooding in some areas with higher winds and the occasional thunderstorm. This may cause travel delays, especially at Gulf Coast airports from late Tuesday through Thursday night. By Friday, Bertha is expected to weaken drastically as it heads into Texas, becoming more of an inconvenience than a severe storm.
