Millions of Americans along the Gulf Coast are bracing as Tropical Storm Bertha barrels toward the U.S., with forecasters warning of flooding, dangerous winds and possible power outages ahead of the storm’s expected landfall Wednesday.
The National Weather Service has issued tropical storm warnings covering roughly 500 miles of coastline, stretching from the Florida Panhandle across Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana into Texas.
Tropical Storm Bertha, packing sustained winds of 50 mph, is forecast to make its first U.S. landfall around 5 p.m. ET Wednesday in southeastern Louisiana as a tropical storm.
Forecasters say the system is expected to track close to the Gulf Coast, potentially making multiple landfalls in Louisiana and Texas over the coming days.
Cities including New Orleans, Mobile, Biloxi and Houston are expected to feel the storm’s impacts, with forecasts calling for powerful wind gusts, several inches of rain, localized flash flooding and dangerous storm surge along vulnerable coastal areas.
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AccuWeather meteorologist Breanna Grill warned that residents should prepare even if the storm’s path shifts.
“While the exact track of Bertha can still fluctuate over the next couple of days, heavy rainfall and hazardous marine conditions are expected regardless of the storm’s path.”
Louisiana officials have already begun emergency preparations ahead of the storm’s arrival.
The state’s emergency operations center has been activated, and the Governor’s Office urged residents to make sure they are ready before conditions deteriorate.
“Check your emergency supplies. Strong winds could result in power outages. Check on friends or loved ones who may need assistance.”
Emergency officials are urging residents across the Gulf Coast to closely monitor forecasts and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions as Tropical Storm Bertha moves inland. Heavy rainfall is expected to pose the greatest threat, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas, while rough surf and dangerous marine conditions are likely along the coastline.
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