Tropical Storm Bertha Strengthens, Threatens Gulf Coast with Heavy Rain and Flooding
Tropical Storm Bertha has intensified as it approaches the Gulf Coast, according to the National Hurricane Center. As of the latest advisory, Bertha is located approximately 120 miles west-southwest of Panama City, Florida, and 105 miles south-southeast of Mobile, Alabama. The storm is moving west at 6 mph with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph. Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 115 miles from the center. The National Hurricane Center has issued tropical storm warnings for several Florida counties, extending from the Bay-Gulf County line to Morgan City, Louisiana, including New Orleans and Lake Pontchartrain. A tropical storm watch is in effect for areas west of Morgan City to Cameron, Louisiana. The storm is expected to bring 2-4 inches of rain, with some areas receiving up to 6 inches, leading to potential flash flooding along the Gulf Coast.