Tropical Storm Bertha Forms, Threatens U.S. Gulf Coast with Heavy Rain and Storm Surge
Tropical Storm Bertha Forms, Threatens U.S. Gulf Coast with Heavy Rain and Storm Surge
US · Published Jul 21, 2026
Tropical Storm Bertha has formed in the Gulf of Mexico, approximately 110 miles (180 kilometers) south of Panama City, Florida, with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph (65 kph) as of Monday evening (Source time: Mon, 20 Jul 2026 18:33:36 GMT).
The storm is moving northwest at a slow pace of 3 mph (6 kph) and is expected to bring heavy rainfall, storm surge, and potentially damaging winds to the northern Gulf Coast.

Impact & Risks

The storm poses significant risks to coastal areas, including storm surges of up to 4 feet (1.2 meters) along portions of the Louisiana and Mississippi coastlines. Heavy rainfall of 3 to 5 inches (7 to 12 centimeters) is expected along the Louisiana coastline, with localized higher amounts south of Lake Pontchartrain. Flash flooding is possible from western Florida to middle Texas through Friday. Wind gusts of up to 40 mph (60 kph) and isolated tornadoes may also occur, particularly in the Florida Big Bend region. The National Weather Service has warned of potentially life-threatening conditions in affected areas.

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