Tropical Storm Bertha Impacts Gulf Coast

Heavy Surf and Flooding from Bertha

Tropical Storm Bertha brought heavy surf and flooding to southern Louisiana and Texas as it came ashore on the Gulf Coast for a second time. The National Hurricane Center reported wind gusts of tropical storm force still possible along the upper Texas coast, with prolonged high water levels due to storm surge. By late evening, Bertha dissipated, but its remnants could still cause 1 to 3 inches of rainfall, with isolated amounts up to 4 inches, potentially leading to flash flooding in coastal and south Texas.

Storm Path and Impact

Bertha initially grazed southern Louisiana, then weakened as it made landfall about 75 miles northeast of Galveston, Texas. The storm remained as a tropical storm for a few hours before converting to a depression with maximum sustained winds under 38 mph. Thick clouds from Bertha led to a delay in SpaceX’s planned Starship launch from Texas. The test flight was rescheduled for Friday, when clear skies were forecast.

“While no significant impacts are forecast, some gusty storms may blow through the island throughout the day,” Galveston’s Office of Emergency Management stated.

Localized Effects and Precautions

Galveston officials warned residents to prepare for windy conditions. Businesses and hotels remained operational, and sightseeing tours paused as a precaution. Electrical outages across the Gulf Coast were minimal. In Florida, a storm-damaged boardwalk in Pensacola was closed, and strong winds earlier knocked over a Waffle House sign in Panama City Beach. Swimmers were advised to avoid Gulf Coast waters due to heavy surf and rip tide threats.

Tropical Storm Bertha in Context

Bertha formed after Tropical Storm Arthur in June, which brought heavy rain to the southeastern U.S. Meanwhile, Hurricane Fausto in the eastern Pacific Ocean was situated far from land, producing swells that could cause hazardous surf in southern California.