Tropical storm warnings and watches were in effect along the Gulf Coast on Tuesday as forecasters warned that Tropical Storm Bertha was likely to bring heavy rain and tropical storm conditions this week.
Swells generated by Bertha are already affecting parts of Florida and are expected to spread west along the Gulf Coast during the week. These waves could create dangerous surf and life-threatening rip currents, forecasters said.
Heavy rainfall is also expected to be a hazard. Through Thursday, parts of the central Gulf Coast from western Florida into southern Louisiana could receive two to four inches of rainfall. Some isolated locations could receive up to six inches. The rain could lead to isolated flash flooding, especially in urban areas.
Tropical Storm Bertha is the second of this year’s Atlantic hurricane season. A storm gets a name when wind speeds reach 39 miles per hour. It becomes a hurricane if it reaches 74 m.p.h.
The season started on June 1 and runs through Nov. 30 and was predicted to have fewer storms than in recent years, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration last month. This year’s only other named storm, Tropical Storm Arthur, dumped heavy rain along the western side of the Gulf Coast last month.
A tropical storm warning was in effect from parts of the Florida Panhandle west to southeastern Louisiana. Tropical storm watches remained in effect farther west along the Louisiana coast, as well as for the New Orleans metropolitan area, including Lake Pontchartrain and Lake Maurepas.
Forecasters said additional watches or warnings could be issued over the next day or two. Tropical storm conditions were expected in the warning area along the Gulf Coast from late Tuesday into Wednesday. Tropical storm conditions were possible in the remaining watch area in Louisiana by Wednesday.
Storm surge is also a risk along parts of the Gulf Coast, especially if the peak surge arrives at the same time as high tide. Water levels could rise between two and four feet above ground from the mouth of the Mississippi River to the Mississippi and Alabama border.
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