Key facts
- Tropical Storm Bertha made landfall in Louisiana with 45 mph winds.
- The storm is forecast to bring heavy rain, coastal flooding, and storm surges to the Gulf Coast.
- Up to 1.5 million barrels of U.S. Gulf oil production may be impacted.
- Tropical storm warnings are in effect for coastal areas from Morgan City, Louisiana, to Sargent, Texas.
- The storm is expected to move inland over Texas on Thursday evening and dissipate by Friday.
Tropical Storm Bertha made landfall in Louisiana with 45 mph winds, bringing a threat to U.S. Gulf Coast oil production. The storm is forecast to bring rainfall, winds, and rising water levels as it moves westward toward the Texas coast. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) stated that Bertha is expected to maintain tropical storm strength until it reaches the upper Texas coast later on Thursday before dissipating inland. Tropical storm warnings are in effect for coastal areas from Morgan City, Louisiana, to Sargent, Texas, with a coastal flood warning issued for Lower St Mary Parish, Louisiana, anticipating 2 to 3 feet of inundation. The NHC also warned of 2 to 4 inches of rainfall, with isolated totals up to 6 inches, potentially causing flash flooding, especially in urban areas. Swells generated by Bertha are expected to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions along the northern and northwestern Gulf Coast. AccuWeather's lead hurricane expert noted that the primary impacts would be locally heavy rain, gusty winds, and storm surge causing coastal flooding.