Tropical Storm Bertha threatens US Gulf Coast with heavy rain, flooding

Tropical Storm Bertha, the second named storm of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, strengthened in the Gulf of Mexico on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, as it slowly approached the U.S. Gulf Coast. The storm, with maximum sustained winds reaching 60 mph, prompted tropical storm warnings and storm surge watches across a wide area from western Florida to Louisiana.

Forecasters predicted heavy rainfall, with 2 to 4 inches generally expected and isolated totals up to 6 to 8 inches possible in some areas through Thursday, raising concerns for flash flooding along the central Gulf Coast, including portions of Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. The combination of storm surge and tide could lead to coastal flooding, with waters potentially rising up to 4 feet above ground in specific locations along the Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama coastlines.

Bertha's erratic and slow westward movement meant it was expected to track near or along the northern Gulf Coast over several days, with a gradual weakening anticipated through the week. Residents in the affected regions were advised to monitor the storm's progress and prepare for potential impacts, including dangerous surf and rip current conditions.