Tropical Storm Bertha Forms in Gulf of Mexico, Prompting Coastal Storm Watches

The storm is currently moving west-northwest at about 3 mph. Forecasters expect the system to remain near or along the northern Gulf Coast early this week as it pushes westward toward Texas.

Coastal Alerts and Potential Impacts

Tropical Storm Watches are in effect for a wide area spanning from the Ochlockonee River in Florida to the Jefferson-Plaquemines Parish border in Louisiana. Additionally, a Storm Surge Watch has been issued from the Alabama-Florida border to the mouth of the Mississippi River.

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The NHC warned that potentially life-threatening storm surges of 2 to 4 feet are possible in that region. Along the immediate coast where Tropical Storm Watches are active, storm surge could reach 1 to 3 feet. Forecasters also cautioned that the system could spin off an isolated tornado or two over the Florida Big Bend region during the week.

Heavy rainfall is expected to be a primary impact of the storm. Forecasts indicate 2 to 4 inches of rain through Friday along the Gulf Coast from western Florida to Texas, with isolated higher amounts reaching near 8 inches in some areas. The NHC noted that swells and rip currents could create life-threatening surf conditions.

Industry and Utility Preparations

In anticipation of the storm, Chevron has begun suspending operations, including shutting-in production at its Petronius facility and moving all associated employees onshore. The company is also transporting nonessential personnel from its Tubular Bells and Blind Faith platforms.

For more on this story, see Tropical Depression Two Forecast to Become Tropical Storm Bertha Near Florida.

CenterPoint Energy reported Monday that it has activated its emergency operations center to prepare for potential weather-related power outages. Nathan Brownell, vice president of CenterPoint Resilience, stated that teams are ready to respond to restore electricity safely and as quickly as possible.

Forecast Uncertainty and Track Scenarios

While the system is expected to bring heavy rain, its ultimate track and intensity remain subject to uncertainty. Forecasters are monitoring two primary scenarios:

• If the storm tracks farther north and interacts with more land, it could weaken, leading to lesser impacts for southeast Texas.
• If the storm tracks farther south, it may spend more time over warm Gulf waters, maintaining its strength and bringing greater impacts to the Texas coast.

Meteorologists noted that forecast errors of 50 to 100 miles are common several days in advance. A shift of that magnitude could determine whether areas such as Houston experience breezy weather and rough surf or periods of heavy tropical rainfall and localized flooding. According to FOX Weather, the heaviest rain could shift toward the Middle Texas Coast later in the week if the storm remains over the Gulf longer.

Regional Context

Bertha follows Tropical Storm Arthur, which brought heavy rainfall and gusty winds to the Texas Gulf Coast in mid-June.

For those in the path of the system, local officials and meteorologists advise checking hurricane supplies and monitoring daily forecasts as the situation develops.

Sources: FOX 26 Houston.

Update (July 21, 2026)

According to bbc.co.uk, forecasters have updated their outlook, stating that Tropical Storm Bertha may strengthen over the next several days before potentially making landfall in New Orleans, Louisiana, by Wednesday. Tropical storm-force winds now extend 70 miles outward from the center of the storm.

In preparation for the arrival, officials in New Orleans are distributing sandbags to help prevent flood waters, and residents have been asked to ensure that local storm drains remain clear. While the system is expected to impact the region, the forecast suggests Bertha will weaken back to a tropical depression on Thursday and may dissipate by the end of the week as it nears the Texas coast.