Tropical Storm Bertha is not done with the United States yet. As of Wednesday, July 22, 2026, the slow-moving storm continues to bring tropical storm conditions to portions of the northern Gulf Coast.
Roughly 24 hours after initial warnings, the National Hurricane Center reports that tropical storm conditions are ongoing from the western Florida Panhandle westward to southeastern Louisiana, including the Metro New Orleans area.
These conditions are expected to persist through Wednesday night, with possible extension to portions of southwestern Louisiana into Thursday.
On Wednesday, the center of Bertha was located near the Mississippi coast (approximately 35 miles from Biloxi as of early afternoon), moving west at around 7 mph with maximum sustained winds of 50-60 mph. Mississippi and surrounding areas have felt gusts up to 50+ mph, while coastal flooding remains a concern.
Forecasters expect Bertha to make landfall in Louisiana later Wednesday or early Thursday before gradually weakening into a tropical depression as it drifts inland toward eastern Texas. Little change in strength is anticipated in the short term, followed by slow weakening through late week.
Key Impacts So Far and Expected:
- Winds: Gusty conditions, with isolated higher gusts.
- Rain: 2–4 inches widespread, with locally higher amounts capable of causing flash flooding.
- Coastal Flooding: Moderate flooding possible along Mississippi and Louisiana coasts, with storm surge up to 4 feet in vulnerable areas.
- Other: Rough surf, rip currents, and a low risk of isolated tornadoes.
How to Prepare for Tropical Storm Bertha (or Future Storms):
- Know Your Zone: If you live near the Gulf or Atlantic coasts, check whether you’re in a hurricane evacuation area by contacting your local emergency management office or visiting your county’s emergency website.
- Build an Emergency Kit: Assemble supplies including water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit, cash, and important documents. Test generators and storm shutters.
- Review Your Family Emergency Plan: Discuss with family or close contacts how you will communicate, where you will shelter, and evacuation routes. Keep a copy in your kit. Start at Ready.gov.
- Check Insurance: Ensure your policies provide adequate coverage for wind, flood, and other storm-related damage. Flood insurance is separate from standard homeowners policies.
Residents should continue monitoring updates from the National Hurricane Center and local authorities, as the storm’s slow movement could prolong impacts.
Stay safe, and heed any local warnings or evacuation orders.
