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Tropical Storm Bertha forms in Gulf of Mexico: Second named storm of 2026 Atlantic Hurricane season
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Tropical Storm Bertha has formed in the Gulf of Mexico, prompting tropical storm and storm surge watches along parts of the Gulf Coast. Forecasters warn of heavy rain, flash flooding, strong winds, and isolated tornadoesAlgiers residents make sandbags ahead of Tropical Storm Bertha at Morris FX Jeff Sr. Park in Algiers, New Orleans, Monday, July 20, 2026. (David Grunfeld/The Times-Picayun)Forecasters at the National Hurricane Center said on Monday (local time) that Tropical Storm Bertha formed over the Gulf of Mexico, south of the Florida Panhandle, in the evening. The storm is moving erratically toward populated coastal communities, raising concerns over heavy rainfall, storm surge, and strong wind gusts.According to the Miami-based agency, the center of the tropical storm was situated at around 8 pm, some 110 miles (180 kilometers) south of Panama City, Florida, in the northern Gulf. The storm was packing sustained winds of around 40 mph (65 kph), and some additional strengthening is expected as it approaches land, news agency AP reported.On Monday, the slow-moving system, which became the Atlantic hurricane season's second named storm, lingered over the Gulf for several hours. Forecasters expect it to remain near or along the northern Gulf Coast early this week, bringing heavy rainfall to coastal areas of northern Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana before tracking west toward Texas.Last month, Tropical Storm Arthur brought heavy rainfall to the southeastern parts of the United States.Tropical storm watch in placeIn the meantime, a tropical storm watch has been issued for a wide stretch of the Gulf Coast, extending from the Ochlockonee River in Florida in the west to the Jefferson-Plaquemines parish line in southeastern Louisiana. Separately, a storm surge watch is also in place from the mouth of the Mississippi River to the Alabama-Florida border.The National Hurricane Center warned that storm surges of up to 4 feet (1.2 metres), capable of posing a serious threat to life, could impact parts of the Louisiana and Mississippi coasts. It also said Bertha may trigger one or two isolated tornadoes over Florida's Big Bend region later this week.Forecasters also warned that some locations could receive up to eight inches of rain. Showers are expected to continue along the Gulf Coast and nearby inland areas from western Florida to the Texas coast throughout the week, with parts of Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana at risk of flash flooding.According to a CBS News report, a forecast map for the system, formerly known as Tropical Depression Two, shows it tracking westward along the Gulf Coast from Florida's Panhandle toward the New Orleans area before continuing into eastern Texas later this week.The weather service on Monday noted, "A slow northwestward motion is expected through tonight, followed by a turn toward the west-northwest or west," and added, "On the forecast track, the depression will move near or along the northern Gulf Coast during the next several days."Tropical Storm Fausto strengthensIn the eastern Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Fausto strengthened on Monday (local time) and was nearing hurricane status while remaining well offshore of western Mexico. It was packing sustained winds of 70 mph (110 kph) and was centred about 745 miles (1,205 kilometres) southwest of the southern tip of Mexico's Baja California Peninsula. The National Hurricane Center said that the storm was moving northwest at 10 mph (17 kph) and posed no threat to land.On 19 July, a tropical storm watch was posted for the Florida Panhandle as the Atlantic's next event took shape offshore.(with agency inputs)Get Latest real-time updatesStay updated with the latest Trending, India , World and US news. Follow the CJP Protest LIVE blog for updates on the Parliament march, Delhi Metro closures, security arrangements and Wangchuk’s health.HomeNewsWorldTropical Storm Bertha forms in Gulf of Mexico: Second named storm of 2026 Atlantic Hurrican
The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued a Tropical Storm Watch for parts of the Florida Panhandle, warning that the system is expected to strengthen into a tropical storm within the next 24 to 48 hours while bringing heavy rain, storm surge and possible flash flooding along the Gulf Coast.Here's what you need to know.Where is Tropical Depression Two now?As of 10 a.m. CDT (1500 UTC) Sunday, the center of Tropical Depression Two was located:-About 155 miles (250 km) south of Panama City, Florida-Near 28.0°N, 85.3°W-Moving north-northwest at 2 mph (4 km/h)The depression has:-Maximum sustained winds: 30 mph (45 km/h)-Minimum central pressure: 1011 mbAccording to the NHC, the system has only recently developed a well-defined low-level circulation after several days as an area of low pressure over the Gulf.Why did the NHC classify it as a tropical depression?Forecasters said the disturbance has become organized enough to receive a tropical cyclone designation."The area of low pressure... has now developed a well-defined low-level circulation," the NHC said.However, the agency noted that the storm remains relatively weak."The convective activity remains patchy... The circulation is sprawling and still weak."Which areas are under a Tropical Storm Watch?The NHC has issued a Tropical Storm Watch for:Ochlockonee River to the Florida-Alabama borderA Tropical Storm Watch means tropical storm conditions are possible within the next 36 to 48 hours.Forecasters also warned that additional watches could be issued for parts of:-Alabama-Mississippi-Louisiana-Texasover the next day or two.Will it become a tropical storm?Yes—according to the current forecast.The NHC expects gradual strengthening, with Tropical Depression Two likely becoming a tropical storm Sunday night or Monday.Forecast intensity includes:-Sunday night: 35 mph-Monday: Tropical storm with 40 mph winds-Tuesday: Around 45 mph-Wednesday: Up to 50 mph (60 mph gusts)-Thursday: Remaining a 50 mph tropical storm before moving inland and gradually weakeningForecasters cautioned that strengthening could be slower than usual because of:-Dry air surrounding the storm-Northeasterly wind shear-A broad and poorly organized circulationThe amount of strengthening later in the week will depend largely on how much of the storm remains over warm Gulf waters instead of moving inland.Where is the storm expected to go?The depression is moving very slowly.The forecast calls for:-Slow north-northwest movement through Monday-A turn toward the west or west-northwest by midweekMovement near or along the northern Gulf CoastCurrent projections indicate the system could eventually track toward coastal Louisiana before moving inland toward Texas later in the week.The NHC noted that forecast confidence remains lower than usual because small track changes could significantly alter the amount of land interaction.What are the biggest threats?-Heavy rainfall-Rainfall is expected to be the most widespread hazard.Forecast totals include:-2 to 4 inches across much of the eastern and central Gulf Coast-Locally up to 8 inchesAreas expected to receive heavy rain include:-Western Florida-Southern Alabama-Mississippi-LouisianaThe NHC warned that this rainfall could produce flash flooding, especially in urban areas and locations with poor drainage.Tropical-storm-force windsTropical storm conditions are possible across the Florida Panhandle beginning late Monday.Strong gusts could accompany rain bands well before the center of the storm approaches.Storm surgeThe NHC forecasts 1 to 3 feet of storm surge between:Indian PassChassahowitzka, FloridaOfficials warned that actual flooding will depend on the timing of high tide and local geography.Which states should monitor the storm?The NHC urged residents across the Gulf Coast to closely monitor future advisories.Besides Florida, officials specifically highlighted:-Alabama-Mississippi-Louisiana-Texasas areas where watches or warnings could become necessary during the comi
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