Tropical Storm Bertha is making its second landfall on the U.S. coast, threatening millions of residents in Texas with heavy rain, flash flooding, and strong winds. The storm's center re-entered the Gulf of Mexico after first making landfall on Wednesday, July 22, along the coasts of Alabama and Louisiana.
Meteorologists with AccuWeather reported that Bertha has gathered strength over the warm Gulf waters as it approaches the Texas coast. Major cities including Houston, Galveston, and Beaumont are in the projected path. As of Thursday afternoon, Bertha has sustained winds of 45 mph, with expectations of reaching the Texas coast by 3 p.m. ET with tropical storm strength and wind gusts up to 60 mph.
"Flooding rain and storm surge remain the primary threats," stated AccuWeather Meteorologist Breanna Grill. The storm is expected to bring an additional 2-4 inches of rainfall across southern and coastal Texas. The Texas Hill Country, which recently experienced catastrophic flooding, is considered particularly susceptible to flash flooding from this storm.
Officials in Galveston and Harris Counties have issued warnings for residents in low-lying areas to prepare for potential flooding and possible evacuations. Harris County authorities have advised residents in evacuation zones to familiarize themselves with evacuation routes and to follow official instructions.
AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva noted that Bertha's movement back into the Gulf allowed it to reorganize and strengthen, preventing it from dissipating over land. Earlier, extreme wind shear from the northern U.S. had pushed thunderstorms away from the coast, mitigating a more severe impact on the Gulf.
Residents along the Gulf Coast are being urged to avoid coastal areas and prepare for potential evacuation orders. Bertha maintained its tropical storm strength after moving back into the Gulf of America.