Tropical Storm Bertha is threatening the US Gulf coast, with officials warning of storm surges up to 4ft along parts of Louisiana and Mississippi.
Live updates
Loading updates…
Key facts
- Tropical Storm Bertha is threatening the US Gulf coast.
- Storm surges of up to 4ft are possible, according to officials.
- Parts of the Louisiana and Mississippi coasts are at risk.
- The warning was reported by the BBC.
Tropical Storm Bertha is threatening the US Gulf coast, with officials warning of the potential for significant storm surges along parts of Louisiana and Mississippi, according to the BBC.
Storm surges of up to 4ft are possible along the affected coastlines, officials say. Storm surge refers to the rise in seawater above normal tide levels driven by a storm’s winds, and it is one of the most dangerous hazards associated with tropical systems.
The BBC reports that parts of the Louisiana and Mississippi coasts are among the areas identified as at risk from the approaching storm.
Coastal communities in the region are among those most exposed to the effects of tropical storms during hurricane season, when warm Gulf waters can fuel developing systems.
Residents in areas potentially affected are advised to monitor guidance from local authorities as the situation develops.
Why it matters
Storm surge is among the deadliest and most destructive effects of tropical systems, capable of flooding low-lying coastal communities. Advance warnings give residents in Louisiana and Mississippi time to prepare and follow official guidance.
Frequently asked questions
Which areas are at risk from Tropical Storm Bertha?
According to the BBC, parts of the Louisiana and Mississippi coasts are at risk.
How high could the storm surge be?
Officials say storm surges of up to 4ft are possible along parts of the affected coasts.
What is a storm surge?
A storm surge is a rise in seawater above normal tide levels driven by a storm's winds, and it is one of the most dangerous hazards associated with tropical systems.
Timeline
- Tropical Storm Bertha makes landfall but damage appears limited
NPR News: Storm damage is expected to be limited because the El Niño weather pattern will counter its worst effects. But unusually warm waters in the Atlantic means the risk of destructive storms is still high.
- Tropical Storm Bertha moves along the Gulf Coast but damage is expected to be limited
NPR News: Storm damage is expected to be limited because the El Niño weather pattern will counter its worst effects. But unusually warm waters in the Atlantic means the risk of destructive storms is still high.
- What forecasters expect this hurricane season, as Tropical Storm Bertha edges along
NPR News: The El Niño weather pattern could limit how many Atlantic storms form this year. But unusually warm waters temperatures mean the risk of destructive storms is still high.
- Tropical Storm Bertha threatens US Gulf coast
BBC Science: Storm surges up to 4ft are possible along parts of the Louisiana and Mississippi coasts, officials say.