Tropical Storm Bertha is forecast to bring heavy rainfall and a potentially life-threatening storm surge to the southeastern United States, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC).
As of Monday, Bertha was situated approximately 105 miles (165 km) south of Panama City, Florida, with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph (65 km/h). The NHC anticipates the storm will move near or along the northern Gulf coast over the next several days.
Forecasters predict that Bertha could cause flooding and storm surges along the coastlines of Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi as it drifts westward toward Texas. Some regions might experience up to 8 inches (20 cm) of rain by Friday, and there is a possibility of isolated tornadoes in Florida.
An updated bulletin on Monday evening indicated that the tropical storm could gain strength in the coming days, with a potential landfall near New Orleans, Louisiana, by Wednesday. Tropical storm-force winds extend up to 70 miles from the storm's center, and it was moving northwest at approximately 3 mph.
A tropical storm watch has been issued for the area stretching from Ochlockonee River, Florida, westward to the border of Jefferson and Plaquemines Parishes in Louisiana. Officials anticipate storm surges between 1 and 4 feet along portions of the Louisiana and Mississippi coasts, with potential for flash flooding in urban areas.
In preparation for the storm, sandbags are being distributed in New Orleans, and residents have been advised to clear local storm drains. The arrival of Bertha occurs amidst prevailing heat in the southern United States.
Bertha is expected to weaken to a tropical depression on Thursday and may dissipate by the end of the week as it approaches the Texas coast. This marks the second named storm of the season, following Tropical Storm Arthur, which caused some flooding in the U.S. last month.