Tropical Storm Bertha forms…the north central Gulf Coast likely to see impacts
SAVANNAH, Ga. —
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Tropical Storm Bertha has formed. The storm is raising the threat of gusty winds, flooding rain and dangerous surf along parts of the northern Gulf Coast.
The National Hurricane Center said the storm is centered 110 miles south of Panama City, FL as of the 8pm advisory.
Florida Panhandle to Louisiana Coast under watch
A tropical storm watch remains in effect from the Ochlockonee River in Florida westward to the Mississippi-Alabama border. Forecasters said tropical storm conditions could begin tonight into Tuesday in parts of the Florida Panhandle and along the Alabama coast.
Current Tropical Storm Watches/Warning
In its key messages, the National Hurricane Center said the storm was expected to gradually strengthen over the next 24 hours.
The center also urged residents and officials in Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas to keep watch on the system’s progress, saying additional watches could be needed in portions of those states over the next day or two.
Slow-moving system expected to track along Gulf Coast
On its projected path, the system is expected to move near or along the northern Gulf Coast during the next several days.
Tropical Storm Bertha Forecast
The forecast advisory showed the system strengthening to 40 knots, or about 46 mph, by early Tuesday and to 45 knots, or about 52 mph, later Tuesday into Wednesday before weakening as it nears or moves inland.
Flash flooding, storm surge and rip currents possible
The storm is expected to bring 2 to 4 inches of rain, with isolated totals around 6 inches, through Friday along the Gulf Coast and nearby inland areas from western Florida to the middle Texas coast, including southern portions of Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana.
Rainfall Outlook Over the Next Five Days
The hurricane center said areas of flash flooding will be possible across that stretch of the Gulf Coast.
Forecasters also warned of storm surge of 1 to 3 feet in parts of the Florida Gulf Coast, along the Alabama-Mississippi coastal area and in Mobile Bay, especially if the surge peaks at high tide.
Swells from the storm are already affecting parts of Florida’s Gulf Coast and were expected to spread westward during the week, creating dangerous surf and life-threatening rip current conditions.
Additional tropical storm watches or warnings could be issued over the next day or two as the system slowly moves northwest to west.
>>> The WJCL 22 Weather team includes Chief Meteorologist Jeremy Nelson, Jonathan Myers, Catherine Liberta, Melissa Hall and Austin Green.