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Tropical Storm Bertha threatens US Gulf coast
Tropical Storm Bertha is moving through the US Gulf of Mexico and is expected to bring heavy rain and a life-threatening storm surge to the south-eastern United States, according to the National Hurricane Center. The storm could cause flooding across Alabama, Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi as it tracks west towards Texas, prompting watches and preparations, including sandbag distribution in New Orleans.
On Monday, Bertha was around 105 miles south of Panama City, Florida, with winds of 40mph, and forecasters warned it could strengthen before potentially making landfall near New Orleans by Wednesday. Some areas may see up to 8in of rain by Friday, with storm surges of 1-4ft along parts of the Louisiana and Mississippi coast and possible isolated tornadoes in Florida. Bertha is expected to weaken to a tropical depression by Thursday and could dissipate by the end of the week as it nears Texas; it is only the second named storm of the season after Tropical Storm Arthur.
In short
- Tropical Storm Bertha threatens Gulf coast with rain and storm surge
- Possible landfall near New Orleans by Wednesday
- Expected to weaken and dissipate by week's end near Texas
Explained simply
Tropical storms are rotating weather systems that form over warm ocean water and bring violent winds, heavy rainfall and dangerous storm surge to coastal areas. They are tracked and monitored by the National Hurricane Center, which issues warnings and forecasts to help communities prepare and protect themselves. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June through November each year, during which storms of varying intensity can develop.
Storm surge occurs when powerful winds from the storm push ocean water on to land, sometimes several feet above the normal sea level. This can cause severe flooding in coastal areas even before heavy rain from the storm arrives. The combination of surge, rainfall and strong winds makes tropical storms a serious threat to populated regions and critical infrastructure.
The south-eastern United States, particularly areas of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida, is particularly vulnerable to tropical storms because of its extensive coastlines and low-lying geography. These states have experienced significant damage and loss of life from storms in the past, which is why monitoring and preparedness are taken seriously by residents, local authorities and federal agencies.
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