Tropical Storm Bertha lashes northern Gulf Coast ahead of expected Louisiana landfall
After landfall, Bertha is expected to lose even more strength, but current forecast models have it moving back over the Gulf as it approaches Texas, where it may bring pockets of rain.
Tropical Storm Bertha lashes northern Gulf Coast ahead of expected Louisiana landfall
Tropical Storm Bertha is lashing the northern Gulf Coast with tropical-storm-force winds from the Florida Panhandle to Louisiana ahead of its expected landfall in southeastern Louisiana on Wednesday evening.
NEW ORLEANS — Tropical Storm Bertha is lashing the northern Gulf Coast with tropical-storm-force winds from parts of the Florida Panhandle to Louisiana ahead of its expected landfall in southeastern Louisiana on Wednesday afternoon.
The storm's slow western crawl will cause coastal flooding from the Alabama border to the mouth of the Mississippi in Louisiana.
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Bertha formed Monday in the northeastern Gulf, becoming the second named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season.
The storm has turned westward, and tropical storm conditions are spreading across the northern Gulf Coast, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC).
Tropical Storm Bertha peaks in intensity as it barrels towards the Gulf Coast
FOX Weather Senior Correspondent Robert Ray shares an update from Fort Walton Beach, Florida, where the effects of Tropical Storm Bertha start to increase in intensity during its development.
As of Wednesday morning, it was about 45 miles east-southeast of the mouth of the Mississippi, with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph, and is moving west at just 5 mph.
Tropical Storm Warnings are in effect from the Okaloosa-Walton county line in Florida to Morgan City, Louisiana, indicating that these areas could experience tropical storm conditions over the next 36 hours.
This warning includes New Orleans and Lake Pontchartrain.
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Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Watches were extended westward and now cover the area west of Morgan City to Sargent, Texas.
A Coastal Flood Warning is in effect for southeastern Louisiana and the Mississippi coast, with up to 4 feet of water expected in low-lying coastal areas.
Where is Tropical Storm Bertha headed?
According to the NHC, Bertha is forecast to move slowly west along the northern Gulf Coast, and is expected to make landfall in southeast Louisiana sometime Wednesday evening.
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The FOX Forecast Center said Bertha is a lopsided storm that will peak as a moderate tropical storm Tuesday, remaining well below hurricane strength.
"Its lopsided nature means most of the rain will fall on the southern side of the system — well off the coast," the Forecast Center said.
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From there, Bertha is expected to lose even more strength, but current forecast models have it moving back over the Gulf as it approaches Texas, where it may bring pockets of rain.
Meanwhile, Bertha is expected to bring short, intense downpours over the coastal and inland areas of the Florida Panhandle, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. The intense rain over a short period of time could trigger low-level flash flooding.
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Rain totals of 2 to 4 inches are expected through the middle of the week, with isolated higher amounts possible.
This story is developing. Check back for updates.