Tropical Storm Bertha, the second named storm of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, formed in the Gulf of Mexico and is moving northwest from near Florida toward the Louisiana and Texas Gulf Coasts. The National Hurricane Center says the system will bring impacts to the region later this week, prompting tropical storm watches and warnings for portions of the northern Gulf Coast.
As of early Tuesday, Bertha was strengthening with a track that could bring heavy rain, gusty winds, and coastal flooding to parts of Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and potentially Texas. Forecasters expect 2 to 6 inches of rainfall in some areas, raising the risk of flash flooding. Residents along the coast are urged to monitor updates as the storm’s exact path and intensity remain subject to change.
The National Hurricane Center issued its latest advisory Tuesday morning, noting Bertha resumed a northwestward motion. Tropical Storm Warnings are now in effect for portions of the Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana Gulf Coast. Officials advise preparing emergency kits, securing outdoor items, and having evacuation plans ready, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas.
Here are the 7/21 4am CDT Key Messages for Tropical Storm #Bertha.
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) July 21, 2026
As always, you can find the latest advisory at https://t.co/jigeOJBJ7U. pic.twitter.com/JDJWhAJ94e
This early-season activity comes as the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30, has already seen one prior system. Bertha marks an active start, with meteorologists warning that warmer Gulf waters could fuel further development.
Local emergency management offices in North Texas and along the Gulf Coast are monitoring the system closely in coordination with state and federal partners. While no major impacts are expected in the immediate DFW area, heavy rain could spread inland if the storm stalls or shifts.
Stay with KRLD for the latest forecasts and safety information as Bertha approaches. Residents should visit ready.gov or local county emergency sites for preparation tips.
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