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Tropical Storm Bertha to Bring Heavy Rain and Flooding to Gulf Coast

Tropical Storm Bertha to Bring Heavy Rain and Flooding to Gulf Coast

Tropical Storm Bertha, the second named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, is currently located 90 miles south-southwest of Panama City, Florida, with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph (96.5 km/h). The storm is moving northwest at 5 mph (8 km/h) and is expected to weaken as it approaches the Gulf Coast. Heavy rainfall and potential flooding are forecasted from western Florida to Louisiana, with 2 to 4 inches (50 to 100 mm) of rain expected, and localized areas receiving higher amounts. A tropical storm warning is in effect from the Florida-Alabama border to the Terrebonne-Lafourche Parish Line in Louisiana. Authorities in Mississippi, Louisiana, and Florida are distributing sandbags and issuing rip tide warnings to prepare for the storm's impact.

Tropical Storm Bertha Approaches Gulf Coast, Homeowners Urged to Prepare

Tropical Storm Bertha Approaches Gulf Coast, Homeowners Urged to Prepare

Tropical Storm Bertha has formed in the Gulf of Mexico and is moving towards the Gulf Coast, prompting warnings and preparations among residents. The National Hurricane Center reports that Bertha is located about 110 miles south-southwest of Panama City, Florida, with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph. The storm is expected to bring tropical storm conditions to parts of Alabama, Florida, and Louisiana within 36 hours. A Storm Surge Watch is in effect, with potential water inundation of 2 to 4 feet above ground level. Homeowners in the affected areas are advised to secure outdoor items, trim trees, and prepare for possible flooding by using sandbags and water barriers.

Tropical Storm Bertha Moves Along Gulf Coast with Limited Damage Expected

Tropical Storm Bertha Moves Along Gulf Coast with Limited Damage Expected

Tropical Storm Bertha, the second named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, is currently moving along the northern Gulf Coast. The storm is expected to bring up to four feet of storm surge and winds reaching 60 miles per hour as it travels from western Florida to southeastern Louisiana. Despite the potential for significant weather impacts, forecasters do not anticipate Bertha strengthening into a hurricane. The National Hurricane Center and Colorado State University have predicted a below-average number of storms for the 2026 hurricane season, largely due to a strong El Niño weather pattern. However, the unusually warm waters in the Gulf of Mexico could still fuel more powerful storms, as warmer sea surface temperatures have been linked to an increase in the intensity of hurricanes.

Tropical Depression Approaches US Gulf Coast, Expected to Strengthen into Tropical Storm

Tropical Depression Approaches US Gulf Coast, Expected to Strengthen into Tropical Storm

A tropical depression is moving erratically towards the U.S. Gulf Coast, with forecasts indicating it could strengthen into a tropical storm. As of Monday afternoon, the depression was located approximately 105 miles south of Panama City, Florida, with sustained winds of 35 mph. The U.S. National Hurricane Center predicts the system will intensify, potentially bringing storm surges, heavy rains, and damaging winds to several states along the Gulf Coast. A storm surge watch has been issued from the mouth of the Mississippi River to the Alabama-Florida border, and a tropical storm watch is in effect from the Ochlockonee River in Florida to southeastern Louisiana. The National Weather Service warns of possible life-threatening storm surges and isolated tornadoes in the region.

Florida Expands Swim Lesson Voucher Program to Prioritize Children with Autism

Florida Expands Swim Lesson Voucher Program to Prioritize Children with Autism

Florida has expanded its swim lesson voucher program to prioritize children with autism, addressing the significantly higher risk of drowning faced by these children. The program, initially launched in 2024, was expanded by a law effective July 1st, which now prioritizes children with autism aged 1 to 7. This decision comes in response to the alarming statistic that children with autism are 160 times more likely to die from drowning than their peers. The expansion aims to provide these children with effective swim lessons, which are considered one of the best ways to mitigate drowning risks. The Florida Department of Health is expected to announce the availability of these vouchers soon, with hopes that applications will open by the fall. The state has increased funding for the program from $1 million to $1.7 million to meet the anticipated demand.

Tropical Storm Bertha Brings Heavy Rain and Storm Surge to Gulf Coast

Tropical Storm Bertha Brings Heavy Rain and Storm Surge to Gulf Coast

Tropical Storm Bertha is advancing toward the Gulf Coast, bringing heavy rain, storm surge, and gusty winds to the region. According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), the storm is expected to impact areas from western Florida to the Middle Texas Coast, including southern Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. As of 11 p.m. ET on July 21, Bertha was located approximately 130 miles west-southwest of Panama City, Florida, and 85 miles east-northeast of the Mississippi River's mouth. The storm is moving west at 6 mph with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph. Rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches, with isolated amounts up to 6 inches, are forecast through Friday. Coastal flood warnings are in effect for parts of Mississippi and Louisiana, with water levels expected to rise up to 4 feet above ground level. (Source: USA Today, July 21, 2026, 11:46 p.m. ET)

Tropical Storm Bertha Brings Heavy Rain and Flood Risks to Gulf Coast

Tropical Storm Bertha Brings Heavy Rain and Flood Risks to Gulf Coast

Tropical Storm Bertha is moving westward along the northern Gulf Coast as of Wednesday morning, July 22, 2026. According to the National Hurricane Center's 4 a.m. CDT advisory, the storm was located approximately 50 miles east-northeast of the mouth of the Mississippi River, with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph (80 km/h) and higher gusts. Bertha is expected to maintain its westward trajectory through Friday, July 24, with gradual weakening anticipated. Rainfall totals of 1-4 inches (25-100 mm), with isolated amounts up to 6 inches (150 mm), are forecast from western Florida to southern Texas, potentially causing flash flooding in urban areas. Additionally, storm surge could lead to inundation of up to 4 feet (1.2 meters) from the mouth of the Mississippi River to the Alabama-Florida border.

Gulf Coast Prepares for Tropical Storm Bertha as Chevron Evacuates Platforms

Gulf Coast Prepares for Tropical Storm Bertha as Chevron Evacuates Platforms

Gulf Coast states are bracing for the impact of Tropical Storm Bertha, which is expected to bring life-threatening storm surges, heavy rain, and strong winds to parts of Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. In response, Chevron has evacuated personnel from its offshore platforms, including Petronius, Tubular Bells, and Blind Faith, to ensure the safety of its workforce and facilities. Local authorities and utility companies are urging residents to prepare emergency kits and secure their properties ahead of the storm's arrival.

Mile Marker 40 Fire in West Broward Mostly Contained After Burning 6,000 Acres

Mile Marker 40 Fire in West Broward Mostly Contained After Burning 6,000 Acres

The Mile Marker 40 fire in West Broward County, Florida, has been mostly contained after burning over 6,000 acres. The fire, located just west of US-27 and north of I-75, was managed by the Florida Forest Service. Efforts to contain the fire have been ongoing, with firefighters working to prevent further spread. The cause of the fire has not been disclosed, and no injuries have been reported. The containment efforts have been aided by favorable weather conditions, which have helped slow the fire's progression.

High Chance of Tropical Cyclone Formation in Gulf of Mexico

High Chance of Tropical Cyclone Formation in Gulf of Mexico

A developing weather system in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico has an 80% chance of becoming a tropical cyclone, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC) [Newsweek, 19 Jul 2026]. The system, currently classified as Tropical Depression Two, is producing concentrated showers and thunderstorms near its center. Exceptionally warm sea-surface temperatures, ranging from the mid to upper 80s °F (29-31 °C), are 2-4 degrees above historical averages, creating favorable conditions for further development. An Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft is scheduled to investigate the disturbance to assess its organization and intensity. The system is expected to move slowly, potentially bringing heavy rainfall and localized flash flooding to parts of Florida and neighboring states over the coming days.

Brevard's Sand Dune Revival Protects Beaches and Ecosystems

Brevard's Sand Dune Revival Protects Beaches and Ecosystems

Efforts to restore sand dunes along the beaches south of Port Canaveral, Florida, have significantly improved the area's coastal resilience. According to Florida Today, these beaches were much narrower at the start of the 21st century. The revival project has not only widened the beaches but also enhanced the natural habitat for local wildlife. The initiative is part of a broader effort to combat erosion and protect both property and the environment. The restoration work has been ongoing for years and is seen as a critical measure to mitigate the impact of rising sea levels and extreme weather events.

Tropical Storm Bertha Expected to Bring Heavy Rain and Flash Flooding to Gulf Coast

Tropical Storm Bertha Expected to Bring Heavy Rain and Flash Flooding to Gulf Coast

Tropical Storm Bertha, the second named storm of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, has formed off the coast of Alabama. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued a Tropical Storm Warning for areas from the Alabama/Florida border to the Jefferson-Plaquemines Parish border in Louisiana. A Storm Surge Watch is also in effect for the Alabama-Florida border to the mouth of the Mississippi River. As of 5 a.m. ET on Monday, the storm was located approximately 110 miles south-southwest of Panama City, Florida, and 170 miles southeast of Mobile, Alabama, with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph (80 km/h). The storm is moving northwest at 5 mph (8 km/h) and is expected to turn west, potentially making landfall in southeast Louisiana by midweek. Heavy rain, storm surges, and flash flooding are anticipated along the northern Gulf Coast.