Tropical Depression Could Strengthen Into Named Storm, Gulf Coast on Alert

A tropical depression that formed in the Gulf over the weekend is forecast to strengthen into the next named storm of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season. Here is what you need to know about the expected path and impacts.

Tropical Storm Bertha on the Way - Where is it Headed?

Forecasters with the National Hurricane Center (NHC) are warning that Tropical Storm Bertha is on the way. The second named storm of the Atlantic season is predicted to unleash heavy rain, gusty winds, and dangerous seas in a zone from Florida into Texas along the Gulf Coast.

While most of the Gulf Coast woke up to sunny skies on Monday, the weather is forecast to deteriorate over the next few days.  How much the features of the storm can band together over the northern Gulf in the hours ahead will determine its future track and who bears the brunt of the storm.

One "hug-the-coast" scenario would cap wind speeds but raise the threat of heavy rainfall across the central Gulf Coast. Widespread rain totals of 1 to 4 inches would be the story for the Interstate 10 corridor, with a maximum of 15 inches possible.

The zone along the Interstate 10 corridor should be ready for wind speeds hitting 40 to 60 mph. The latest forecast models suggest that the storm will lose its wind intensity quickly after coming ashore. However, the moisture associated with the system would present flooding concerns for days.

Storm surge of 1 to 3 feet is expected with this event. But there is still time for the storm to intensify and produce higher storm surge levels.

A tropical storm that hugs the Gulf Coast will spare Texas the worst of the rain. A more worrisome scenario would come to fruition if the storm moves farther south over the Gulf. This track would give it more time to feed on the warm waters of the open Gulf, potentially strengthening into a hurricane.

While this journey would spare Louisiana, Texas would be slammed with flooding rainfall and dangerous winds. This scenario would also raise the threat of more flash flooding across central Texas. The Texas Hill Country just experienced a catastrophic flooding event last week, making the region more vulnerable to any additional moisture.

Regardless of where the system tracks, the bulk of the Gulf Coast will be under the gun for rough seas, tornadoes, and waterspouts. 

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