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Tropical Storm Bertha is strengthening over the northeastern Gulf of Mexico and is expected to bring heavy rainfall, gusty winds, storm surge, and dangerous surf from the Florida Panhandle to Texas this week.
As of Tuesday afternoon, the storm recorded maximum sustained winds of 60 mph. Forecasters indicate that Bertha has roughly 24 hours over open water before making landfall in southeastern Louisiana late Wednesday or Wednesday evening, with a minor chance of briefly reaching hurricane intensity.
“The ‘hug-the-coast’ scenario should hold back wind intensity,” said AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva.
After its initial landfall in Louisiana, the storm is forecast to meander near the southern Louisiana coast on Thursday, briefly re-emerge over the northern Gulf, and move onshore again along the upper Texas coast by the end of the week.
Widespread rainfall totals of 1 to 4 inches are expected along the Gulf Coast and Interstate 10 corridor, with isolated areas receiving 4 to 8 inches and potential localized maximums reaching up to 15 inches. Tropical-storm-force wind gusts between 40 and 60 mph are anticipated in spiral bands, with peak gusts potentially reaching 75 mph.
Storm surge is generally projected to reach 1 to 3 feet along coastal areas, with localized maximum surges up to 5 feet depending on the exact intensity of the storm at landfall.
A southward shift in the track could alter impacts for Texas.
“The Texas Hill Country may be especially vulnerable to downpours due to saturated ground and infrastructure damaged by the catastrophic flooding last week,” said AccuWeather Meteorologist Breanna Grill, regarding an alternative track scenario.
Officials and meteorologists warn of building wave heights, severe squalls, potential waterspouts or tornadoes, and an increased risk of dangerous rip currents and coastal road overwash across the region through the end of the week.
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Tropical Storm Bertha Nears Louisiana Landfall With Heavy Rain And Gusty Winds
