Tropical Storm Bertha Makes Landfall in Louisiana With Flood Risks Through Friday

Landfall and Current Trajectory in Louisiana and Texas

Tropical Storm Bertha moved ashore on Wednesday afternoon, with satellite imagery placing the center of the storm near the Biloxi Wildlife Management Area in St. Bernard, Louisiana, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC). The storm, which formed in the northwest Gulf of Mexico, is now tracking toward the interior of Texas.

As of the most recent updates, the storm was moving at approximately 11 kilometers per hour (7 miles per hour) as it neared the New Orleans area. The NHC has issued tropical storm warnings for New Orleans and the Lake Pontchartrain region, an area historically sensitive to flooding since Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The system is expected to continue its path across the southern coast of Louisiana before moving into Texas on Thursday evening, at which point it is forecast to dissipate over Texas between Thursday night and Friday, as reported by 20minutos.es.

Rainfall Totals and Flood Risks

The primary concern for residents across the central and western Gulf Coast remains the potential for significant rainfall. The NHC projects accumulations of up to 15.2 centimeters (approximately 6 inches) of rain through Friday, stretching from the Florida Panhandle to southern Texas. Meteorologists warn that this volume could produce isolated flash floods, especially in urban areas, according to the NHC’s bulletins.

While the storm center has made landfall, the most intense weather activity is currently very displaced to the south relative to the center, according to Jamie Rhome, deputy director of the NHC. Despite this shift, the risk of flash flooding remains elevated. CNN reported that a level 3 out of 4 risk for rainfall-induced flooding is in effect for parts of the Virginia-North Carolina border through Friday morning, as the system interacts with other regional weather patterns.

Coastal Hazards and Emergency Preparedness

Communities along the Gulf Coast have been preparing for the storm’s arrival since early in the week. In Algiers, New Orleans, residents were observed filling sandbags at the Morris FX Jeff Sr. Park on July 20 to mitigate potential water intrusion, as noted by the Boston Herald. Beaches throughout the affected regions have been closed to the public due to the high risk of life-threatening surf and rip currents.

Season Outlook and Regional Context

Bertha marks the second named storm of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season. Earlier in the season, Tropical Storm Arthur formed. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts a season with activity below average, citing the influence of the El Niño climate pattern.

While the overall season has seen a slower start compared to recent years, meteorologists continue to monitor the impact of storm systems on drought-stricken areas. In parts of North Carolina, for instance, CNN noted that while rain is needed to alleviate drought, the rapid accumulation of water over a short period could overwhelm drainage systems. Authorities recommend that residents in all areas under surveillance continue to monitor official weather alerts as the system progresses through the end of the week.