Tropical Storm Bertha formed in the northeastern Gulf and is expected to hit portions of the Gulf Coast from Florida to Louisiana, possibly reaching as far west as Texas. With winds of 40 mph, heavy rain, coastal flooding, and tropical‑storm‑force winds are all possible along its path. The second named storm of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season is still unorganized; persistent thunderstorms have formed only on its southern half, and dry air and the storm’s large size have kept it from strengthening despite near‑record warm Gulf waterMutual watch covers the Florida Panhandle from the Ochlockonee River west to the Jefferson‑Plaquemines Parish border in Louisiana. Tropical‑storm conditions—winds of 39+ mph—are possible in these areas within the next 24‑48 hours, with additional watches possibly issued farther west by the next day.

Rainfall totals of 2‑4 inches are expected across the western Florida Panhandle, southern Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and possibly the Texas coast, with up to 8 inches in the strongest thunderstorms, potentially triggering flash flooding in urban areas such as New Orleans. Storm surge could rise 2‑4 feet above normal from the mouth of the Mississippi River to the Alabama‑Florida border, with a surge watch in effect.

Bertha is likely to make landfall near southeast Louisiana and southern Mississippi by Wednesday, weakening over land and facing increasing wind shear. The forecast calls for it to reach the Upper Texas Coast as a tropical depression by late week. Residents should prepare for heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and possible flooding.