Tropical Storm Bertha remained nearly stationary on the night of July 20, prompting federal forecasters to warn of heavy rainfall, strong winds, coastal flooding, and dangerous surf along portions of the northern Gulf Coast.
Bertha is the second named storm of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season. According to the National Hurricane Center, the system strengthened from a tropical depression into a tropical storm on July 20.
Tropical Storm Bertha’s Location and Strength
As of the National Hurricane Center’s 10 p.m. CDT advisory, Bertha was positioned approximately 140 miles south of Panama City, Florida, and 215 miles southeast of Mobile, Alabama.
The storm was producing maximum sustained winds of 40 mph.
Forecasters expect Bertha to begin moving slowly toward the west-northwest or west during the next several days. Its projected path could take it near or along the northern Gulf Coast. Some additional strengthening may occur through July 21.
Tropical Storm and Storm Surge Watches Issued
Tropical storm watches were active for parts of the Gulf Coast, where strong winds, heavy rainfall, rough surf, and hazardous coastal conditions could begin developing late July 20 and continue into July 21.
A storm surge watch was also issued from the Alabama-Florida border to the mouth of the Mississippi River.
Residents and authorities in Louisiana and Texas were advised to closely monitor Bertha’s movement. Additional watches or warnings could be announced for portions of these states on July 21.
Heavy Rainfall Could Trigger Flash Flooding
The National Hurricane Center forecast rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches through Friday across the Gulf Coast and nearby inland areas. Localized amounts could reach approximately 8 inches.
The affected region stretches from western Florida to the middle Texas coast, including southern Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana.
This rainfall could cause flash flooding, particularly in cities and other developed areas where drainage systems may struggle to handle intense rainfall.
Dry Soil May Increase Runoff Risk
AccuWeather meteorologist Alex DaSilva explained that rainfall could provide relief to drought-affected areas of the Florida Panhandle. However, dry and hardened soil may increase the flooding threat because water can run across the surface instead of being absorbed immediately.
Concerns could also rise if the heaviest rainfall shifts west toward the Texas Hill Country. The region’s terrain and recent history of serious flooding may make it especially vulnerable to additional flash floods.
Bertha Becomes Second Named Storm of 2026
Bertha formed roughly one month after Tropical Storm Arthur developed in the Gulf of Mexico.
Despite the early named storms, forecasters expect the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season to experience below-normal activity. El Niño conditions are expected to limit tropical development across the Atlantic.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts between eight and 14 named storms during the season. Of those systems, approximately three to six could strengthen into hurricanes.
For comparison, an average Atlantic hurricane season produces around 14 named storms and seven hurricanes, based on weather records collected between 1991 and 2020.
Tropical Storm Bertha may bring several days of heavy rainfall, strong winds, coastal flooding, and dangerous surf to the northern Gulf Coast. Residents from Florida to Texas should continue monitoring official forecasts, especially as the storm’s path and strength could change.