Tropical Storm Bertha Tracks Along U.S. Gulf Coast, Bringing Flooding Threat and Dangerous Storm Surge
Tropical Storm Bertha Moves Along Northern Gulf Coast
22 July 2026 – Gulf Coast, USA: Tropical Storm Bertha is continuing its westward journey along the northern Gulf Coast, bringing the threat of coastal flooding, dangerous storm surge, strong winds, and heavy rainfall to several states from Florida to Texas.
According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Bertha was located about 40 miles (65 km) south of Pascagoula, Mississippi, on Wednesday morning. The storm was packing maximum sustained winds of 50 mph (85 km/h), with stronger gusts reaching 60 mph (100 km/h), and was moving west at approximately 6 mph (9 km/h).
Although Bertha is expected to gradually weaken due to unfavorable wind shear, forecasters say it is likely to remain a tropical storm through at least Thursday evening.
Forecast Track
Meteorologists expect Tropical Storm Bertha to continue tracking westward, remaining close to the Gulf Coast.
The center of the storm is forecast to briefly cross land near the mouth of the Mississippi River before re-entering Gulf waters and continuing toward the Texas coastline, where it is expected to approach or make landfall on Thursday afternoon.
Residents along the Gulf Coast are urged to monitor official weather updates, as even a weakening tropical storm can produce dangerous coastal conditions.
Storm Surge and Coastal Flooding Threat
One of the biggest concerns with Tropical Storm Bertha is the potential for storm surge, especially if peak surge coincides with high tide.
The National Hurricane Center has issued the following storm surge forecasts:
Mouth of the Mississippi River to the Mississippi–Alabama border: 2–4 feet (0.6–1.2 meters) above ground level.
Port Bolivar, Texas, to the mouth of the Mississippi River: 1–3 feet (0.3–0.9 meters).
Mississippi–Alabama border to the Okaloosa–Walton County line, Florida: 1–3 feet (0.3–0.9 meters).
Storm surge can quickly flood low-lying coastal roads, neighborhoods, beaches, and marinas, making travel dangerous and potentially damaging homes and infrastructure.
Strong Winds and Dangerous Surf
Sustained winds near the storm's center remain around 50 mph, with stronger gusts approaching 60 mph.
These winds may:
Down tree branches
Cause scattered power outages
Produce rough surf
Create hazardous conditions for small boats
Generate dangerous rip currents along Gulf Coast beaches
Authorities are advising mariners to remain in port until conditions improve.
Heavy Rainfall and Flash Flood Risk
Most of Bertha's heaviest rainfall is expected to remain over the Gulf of Mexico, reducing the likelihood of widespread inland flooding.
However, coastal communities may still receive:
Up to 4 inches (100 mm) of rainfall
Isolated totals up to 6 inches (150 mm
These heavier rain bands could trigger localized flash flooding, especially in urban areas, locations with poor drainage, and low-lying coastal regions.
States That Could Be Affected
The storm's impacts may extend across portions of:
Texas
Louisiana
Mississippi
Alabama
Florida Panhandle
Residents in these areas should continue monitoring forecasts and be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions.
Safety Advice
Emergency officials recommend that residents:
Stay informed through official weather forecasts.
Avoid driving through flooded roads.
Secure outdoor furniture and loose objects.
Prepare emergency supplies, including food, water, flashlights, and batteries.
Follow evacuation orders if issued by local authorities.
Beachgoers are also advised to stay out of the water due to dangerous waves and rip currents.
Although Tropical Storm Bertha is forecast to weaken gradually, it remains capable of producing hazardous weather along the Gulf Coast through Thursday. Even weakening tropical storms can generate life-threatening storm surge, flooding, and strong winds.
Residents are encouraged to remain alert, monitor updates from local emergency management agencies, and take necessary precautions until the storm has safely passed.
Disclaimer: Weather forecasts can change as Tropical Storm Bertha evolves. Residents should rely on updates and warnings issued by the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC), the National Weather Service (NWS), and local emergency management officials for the latest information.
About the Author
Harish Kumar is the founder of FlashNews24 and covers world news, technology, science, and weather developments.
