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The Weather Prediction Center (WPC) of the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration issued its forecast today for the remaining week, warning of the possibility of flash flooding to occur on the Gulf coast, intermountain west, and east coast. This comes alongside the recent development of Tropical Storm Bertha in the Gulf coast and a sweeping cold front that has brought about such inclement weather. Although the chances for these occurrences remain fairly low, caution is still advised due to the significant range that this weather system encompasses.
Expectations for the Affected Areas
Within the east coast region, the area between southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Virginia currently holds the highest possibility for heavy rainfall at a moderate risk of at least 40%. This is in part due to the amassing of cold fronts around the particular region, leading to an estimated 3 inches and higher within the Hampton Roads area and eventual westward expansion into parts of northeastern Alabama. The intermountain west region, while bearing minimal risk for flooding, spans from southwestern Montana through northwestern New Mexico as a result of "plentiful burn scars, relatively little amounts
of rain it's taken in some areas to cause flash flooding, and many areas not seeing recent flooding at all." Lastly, the risk of rainfall on the Gulf coast lies mostly in the existence of Tropical Storm Bertha, whose struggles with northeasterly wind shear have designated most of its load over the open ocean. Nevertheless, the arrival of El Niño and the subsequent increase in heat to the ocean water could possibly fuel the storm to reach the severity of a hurricane, marking the overall situation as tentative until it eventually makes landfall by 7PM on Wednesday.
Recent U.S. Weather Conditions
These recent forecasts of rough weather follow in the footsteps of a long-term cycle of heavier storms with lengthier spans of dry seasons between, influenced by the likes of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions and an imbalance of the El Niño/La Niña homeostatic sequence. Such conclusions are strengthened by the recent outpouring of rain in both West Virginia and New York City, with up to 7 inches falling in the former and 1.5 - 3 inches in the latter. These storms shut down major highways and subways in their respective areas, demonstrating the sheer amount of facilities at risk if not prepared for and handled vigilantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did NOAA warn about today?
The Weather Prediction Center (WPC) of NOAA issued a forecast warning of flash flooding risk across three broad regions of the United States: the Gulf Coast, the intermountain west, and the east coast. The warning stems from a combination of factors — the development of Tropical Storm Bertha in the Gulf and a sweeping cold front producing heavy rainfall across much of the country. While overall risk levels remain relatively low, the sheer geographic scope of the weather system makes caution advisable for a wide swath of the population.
What is Tropical Storm Bertha, and when did it form?
Tropical Storm Bertha is the second named storm of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season. According to The Watchers, it formed over the northeastern Gulf at 19:00 CDT on July 20, 2026, and strengthened to winds of 85 km/h (50 mph) by 06:00 UTC the following day. A Tropical Storm Warning and Storm Surge Watch are in effect along sections of the northern Gulf Coast.
What should residents in affected areas do?
The WPC urges residents across all three flagged regions — the Gulf Coast, intermountain west, and parts of the east coast — to monitor local forecasts closely as conditions remain fluid. For those in the Gulf Coast zone specifically, the National Hurricane Center recommends having an evacuation plan ready in advance. People should know where to go in an emergency, account for elderly or disabled neighbors who may need assistance, and review their homeowner's insurance policy — including their deductible — before a storm hits.
