Gulf Coast communities prepare as Tropical Storm Bertha's outer bands begin to lash coastline
The City of New Orleans advised residents to complete their storm preparations by Tuesday and clear catch basins around their properties.
NHC Deputy Director Jaime Rhone on Tropical Storm Bertha's impacts along the Gulf Coast
Tropical Storm Bertha is strengthening in the Gulf with numerous Watches in place. NHC Deputy Director Jaime Rhone joins FOX Weather with the latest as the system creeps toward the Gulf Coast.
MOBILE, Ala. — Gulf Coast states are preparing for Tropical Storm Bertha, which is set to deliver life-threatening storm surge, tropical downpours and gusty winds to parts of Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana, with impacts increasing through the day on Wednesday.
TROPICAL STORM BERTHA STRENGTHENS, THREATENS GULF COAST WITH HEAVY RAIN, STORM SURGE AND SQUALLS
Satellite imagery of Tropical Storm Bertha on Tuesday, July 21, 2026.
(CIRA / FOX Weather)
The Louisiana Health Department urged people on Monday to review their emergency plans and stock up on supplies.
TIMELINE: WHEN YOU WILL SEE THE FIRST IMPACTS OF TROPICAL STORM BERTHA IN THE SOUTHEAST
The City of New Orleans advised residents to complete their storm preparations by Tuesday and clear catch basins around their properties.
Louisiana State University (LSU) began monitoring Bertha when it was still a tropical depression.
LSU is closely monitoring Tropical Depression 2 in the northern Gulf. Please continue to monitor LSU email, social media and https://t.co/VnlgzirTW9 for the latest information. pic.twitter.com/C9b3JUZGZY
— LSU (@LSU) July 20, 2026
Entergy, Louisiana's largest electric utility, said it will provide live updates of any power outages and asked people to have their emergency kits ready.
TRACK BERTHA: LIVE RADAR, FLOOD THREAT, WIND SPEED AND RADAR
Meanwhile, energy company Chevron told FOX Weather it had moved all personnel from its Petronius platform onshore.
The company said it also moved people from its Tubular Bells and Blind Faith platforms.
"Chevron will continue to closely monitor the storm. We remain focused on the safety of our workforce, the integrity of our facilities and the protection of the environment," Chevron said in a statement.
Alabama's Emergency Management Agency shared information on assembling a disaster supply kit and Mobile County asked people to stay out of the water due to the High Rip Current Risk caused by Bertha.
The City of Orange Beach, Alabama, urged residents and property owners to secure boats and loose outdoor furniture in preparation for any potential storm surge flooding.
Check back for updates on this developing story.