Tropical Storm Bertha Heads Toward New Orleans as Houston Braces for Heavy Rain Bands
Tropical Storm Bertha is moving across the northern Gulf of Mexico, raising concerns for coastal Louisiana as New Orleans braces for heavy rain, gusty winds and possible coastal flooding. The biggest impacts are expected across Louisiana but south-east Texas, including Houston, could see outer rain bands later this week that may bring periods of heavy rainfall and localised flooding.
Forecasters say Bertha is not expected to become a major hurricane, but they stress that tropical storms can still cause dangerous flooding, travel disruptions and scattered power outages.
New Orleans prepares for rain, wind and coastal flooding
Forecast models show Bertha continuing towards south-east Louisiana where heavy rainfall, gusty winds and elevated tides could cause hazardous conditions. Officials are particularly concerned about coastal communities that are low-lying and vulnerable to flooding.
Meteorologists also say rainfall amounts could vary widely because the heaviest thunderstorms in the storm are expected to remain east of the centre. In some neighbourhoods, you could get just a light shower but a few miles away, you could get several inches of rain in a short period of time.
New Jersey Weather Rainfall Totals Show More Than 3 Inches of Rain Fell Across Several TownsHouston Braces for Outer Rain Bands
Tropical Storm Bertha is not forecast to make a direct hit on Houston, but the city is still expected to experience scattered heavy showers as the storm’s outer rain bands move westward.
The National Weather Service says the heaviest rain will stay east of Houston, although a slight shift in Bertha’s track could produce more rain for south-east Texas. Residents are urged to watch the updated forecasts throughout the week as tropical systems can change direction or intensity with little notice.
Why a Weak Tropical Storm Can Still Be Dangerous
Bertha formed earlier this week in the Gulf of Mexico with maximum sustained winds near 40 mph. Forecasts show the storm could gradually weaken as it encounters more wind shear, but it still poses a threat of heavy rain and coastal flooding.
Emergency management officials continue to remind residents that tropical storm dangers often come from flooding, not wind. Heavy rain can tax drainage systems, create dangerous driving conditions and cause flash flooding even far from the centre of the storm.
What’s Next
Bertha is forecast to continue moving west across the Gulf Coast over the next few days. Weather conditions should gradually improve across eastern Louisiana after the storm moves out, with attention turning to potential rainfall across parts of south-east Texas.
Forecasts, tracks and rainfall totals in Louisiana and Texas could still change and residents are advised to monitor updates from local weather officials.
Sources
National Weather Service (New Orleans/Baton Rouge): Forecast track, rainfall outlook, coastal flood threat, wind forecast, tropical watches/warnings
CBS News: How the storm formed, how strong it is, where it’s headed across the Gulf and what to expect.
Click2Houston: Houston forecast, outer rain band timing, and rain forecast.
Associated Press: Background on Tropical Storm Bertha, wind speeds, Gulf Coast updates.
