Bertha Strengthens Near Gulf Coast as Warnings Spread

New Tropical Storm Bertha strengthened to about 50 mph and is moving toward the northern Gulf Coast, with its center roughly 110 miles south-southwest of Panama City and 170 miles southeast of Mobile as of the 5 a.m. advisory. The NHC forecasts a slow northwest to west-northwest track with some potential strengthening to around 60 mph before wind shear likely limits it, bringing Bertha near or along the northern Gulf Coast over the next several days. A tropical storm warning is in effect from the Alabama/Florida line west to the Louisiana border, with watches extending into parts of Florida and Louisiana, and a storm surge watch for areas from the Alabama/Florida border to the Mississippi River mouth. Impacts could include 1-3 feet of surge along portions of Florida’s coast, 2-4 feet near the Mississippi/Alabama border, and 1-3 feet near Morgan City, plus 2-4 inches of rain (locally up to 6 inches) and dangerous rip currents. The season outlook remains 8-14 named storms with 3-6 hurricanes for 2026.