Bertha in plain terms (what we\u2019re watching)<\/p>\n
Even when a system isn\u2019t forecast to be a major hurricane, tropical storms can still bring impactful hazards:<\/p>\n
Gusty winds (enough to bring down small limbs, cause scattered outages, and make driving tougher on bridges)<\/p>\n
Torrential downpours (short bursts that can overwhelm streets\/ditches, especially in typical flood-prone spots)<\/p>\n
Coastal impacts like rough surf and rip currents<\/p>\n
Tropical Storm Bertha is not a hurricane but is expected to bring breezy conditions, storms, and heavier rain closer to the coast (and that this is a good time to review plans and refresh supplies).<\/p>\n
The 3 biggest risks to prepare for in Southeast Texas<\/p>\n
1) Flash flooding from tropical rain<\/p>\n
Houston doesn\u2019t need a named hurricane to flood. The key issue is rainfall rate\u2014tropical bands can drop heavy rain quickly.<\/p>\n
Do now:<\/p>\n
Clear storm drains near your home (safely)<\/p>\n
Know your alternate routes to work and frequent places<\/p>\n
If you\u2019ve flooded before, stage towels\/sandbags (if used) and move valuables up<\/p>\n
2) Power outages + heat<\/p>\n
A \u201cweaker\u201d storm can still knock out power. In July heat, outages become a safety issue fast.<\/p>\n
Do now:<\/p>\n
Charge battery banks and backup phone chargers<\/p>\n
Fuel vehicles early (don\u2019t wait until warnings)<\/p>\n
Set your fridge\/freezer colder (and freeze water jugs to help hold temps)<\/p>\n
3) Coastal hazards (even if you\u2019re inland)<\/p>\n
Bertha-related swells can mean dangerous surf and rip currents along Gulf beaches.<\/p>\n
Do now:<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re headed to the beach, check local advisories and treat the water as off-limits when warnings are up<\/p>\n
Your \u201cbefore the storm\u201d checklist (48\u201372 hours out)<\/p>\n
Use this as a quick run-through as forecasts tighten.<\/p>\n
Home + property<\/p>\n
Bring in or tie down outdoor items (patio furniture, trash cans)<\/p>\n
Test flashlights and replace batteries<\/p>\n
Set a plan for pets (see Pet section below)<\/p>\n
Communications<\/p>\n
Pick an out-of-town contact everyone can text\/call<\/p>\n
Make sure everyone knows how they\u2019ll get alerts (local weather, emergency alerts)<\/p>\n
Documents + cash<\/p>\n
Put IDs, insurance info, and key papers in a waterproof bag or container<\/p>\n
Have some cash on hand for post-storm disruptions<\/p>\n
Build (or refresh) a 7\u2011day hurricane kit\u2014without blowing your budget<\/p>\n
Families can build a 7\u2011day kit affordably, which matters because preparedness shouldn\u2019t require a big one-time shopping trip.<\/p>\n
Prioritize in this order:<\/p>\n
Water<\/p>\n
Food you can eat without cooking<\/p>\n
Medications + basic first aid<\/p>\n
Lights + batteries<\/p>\n
Phone charging + a way to get info (radio)<\/p>\n
Tip: build in layers (each grocery run adds a few shelf-stable items), and focus on what your household will actually use.<\/p>\n
If you might need to evacuate: decide early and know your zone<\/p>\n
One of the biggest mistakes is waiting until roads are packed.<\/p>\n
Evacuation emphasizes that when and which route depends heavily on your evacuation zone\u2014not everyone in the Houston region should leave for every storm.<\/p>\n
Do now (before you need it):<\/p>\n
Find out whether you\u2019re in a storm surge evacuation zone<\/p>\n
Identify 2\u20133 evacuation routes<\/p>\n
Pre-pack a \u201cgo bag\u201d so you can leave quickly if officials call for it<\/p>\n
Pets: don\u2019t make last-minute plans<\/p>\n
Have a pet plan now, not when you\u2019re scrambling.<\/p>\n
Pet essentials to stage:<\/p>\n
Food\/water for several days<\/p>\n
Medications<\/p>\n
Leash\/carrier<\/p>\n
Copies of vaccination records<\/p>\n
Comfort items (blanket\/toy)<\/p>\n
During the storm: what to actually do<\/p>\n
Stay inside and away from windows during the worst bands<\/p>\n
Avoid driving through flooded streets (Houston flooding can hide stalled cars, debris, and washed-out road edges)<\/p>\n
Keep devices charged when power is on; conserve when it\u2019s off<\/p>\n
After the storm: first steps<\/p>\n
Once conditions improve:<\/p>\n
Treat downed lines as live<\/p>\n
Watch for debris, nails, and standing water hazards<\/p>\n
Take photos of damage for insurance before major cleanup<\/p>\n
Check on neighbors (especially elderly or those with medical needs)<\/p>\n
Use Bertha as the rehearsal<\/p>\n
Emergency managers have urged residents to use Bertha as a reminder to:<\/p>\n
Review family emergency plans<\/p>\n
Check hurricane supply kits<\/p>\n
Replenish food, water, and medications<\/p>\n
That\u2019s the right approach: practice on the \u201csmaller\u201d storms so you\u2019re ready for the one that isn\u2019t.<\/p>\n
Anthony’s Weather Lab<\/p>\n
More Stories Like This In Our Email Newsletter<\/p>\n
Daily Forecast<\/p>\n
More Stories Like This In Our Email Newsletter<\/p>\n