Tropical Storm Bertha gains strength as Gulf Coast braces for flooding, storm surge
A tropical depression has strengthened into Tropical Storm Bertha, the second named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season. It is now churning toward the Gulf Coast, bringing the threat of heavy rain, storm surge and flash flooding with it.
A tropical storm warning is in effect from the Florida-Alabama border to parts of southeastern Louisiana, and tropical storm watches have been posted in areas along the Gulf of Mexico. A storm surge watch is also in place from the Florida-Alabama border to the mouth of the Mississippi River.
Bertha’s outer rain bands have already soaked parts of central Florida, and the National Weather Service said tropical storm conditions will begin reaching the Gulf Coast late Tuesday into early Wednesday.
Some communities could see up to eight inches of rain, increasing the risk of flash flooding. A storm surge of up to four feet is expected in some low-lying coastal areas.
Northeast flash flooding threat
Meanwhile, the Northeast and mid-Atlantic are also bracing for dangerous weather Tuesday. Severe thunderstorms could bring damaging winds, flash flooding and possible tornadoes.
The greatest threat spans from northeastern Kentucky to New Jersey, including major cities like Pittsburgh, Washington, D.C., Baltimore and Philadelphia.
Heavy rain and strong storms are expected to move across the Ohio Valley around lunchtime, then into the Northeast and the mid-Atlantic through the afternoon and evening. Areas along the I-95 corridor could see two rounds of storms — one around midday and a larger one moving through starting around 5 p.m., according to forecasters.
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Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief
