Tropical Storm Bertha weakened rapidly after making a second landfall along the U.S. Gulf Coast on Thursday, bringing heavy surf, gusty winds, and localized flooding to parts of Louisiana and Texas before dissipating later in the evening.
Although the storm lost strength after moving inland, forecasters warned that its remnants could still produce heavy rainfall capable of triggering flash flooding in portions of coastal and southern Texas.
According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Bertha was downgraded from a tropical storm to a tropical depression Thursday afternoon before weakening further and ultimately dissipating by late evening.
Heavy rain and flooding remain a concern
Even after the storm’s circulation broke apart, the NHC cautioned that Bertha’s leftover moisture would continue to impact the region.
Forecasters expect 1 to 3 inches (2.5 to 7.6 centimeters) of rainfall across parts of coastal and south Texas, with isolated areas receiving as much as 4 inches (10 centimeters). Those higher rainfall totals could overwhelm drainage systems and lead to localized flash flooding, especially in low-lying and flood-prone communities.
Residents were urged to remain alert for rapidly changing weather conditions despite the storm’s weakening.
Strong winds and dangerous surf
Bertha also generated rough surf and elevated water levels along the Gulf Coast, creating hazardous conditions for beachgoers and coastal communities.
The National Hurricane Center said tropical storm-force wind gusts remained possible along portions of the upper Texas coast Thursday evening, even after the system weakened. Coastal areas also continued to experience elevated water levels due to storm surge, with officials warning that dangerous surf and strong currents could persist after the storm moved inland.
Authorities advised residents and visitors to avoid flooded roads and stay out of the Gulf waters until conditions improve.
Second landfall in Texas
Bertha first brushed southern Louisiana on Wednesday as it slowly tracked westward along the Gulf Coast.
The storm later made a second landfall on Thursday afternoon approximately 75 miles (115 kilometers) northeast of Galveston, Texas, according to the National Hurricane Center.
After coming ashore, Bertha quickly weakened as it encountered land, with its maximum sustained winds falling to 38 mph (61 km/h) or less, meeting the threshold for classification as a tropical depression.
By Thursday night, the National Hurricane Center officially declared that Bertha had dissipated, ending its status as a tropical cyclone.
Communities continue cleanup efforts
While Bertha was relatively modest compared with stronger Gulf hurricanes, the storm still caused periods of heavy rain, rough seas, and coastal flooding that disrupted travel and outdoor activities in parts of Louisiana and Texas.
Emergency officials continue to monitor waterways and flood-prone areas for lingering impacts from the storm’s rainfall, urging residents to remain cautious as saturated ground and standing water could create additional hazards even after the storm has dissipated.
Meteorologists noted that weakening tropical systems can still pose significant risks through flooding, which is often one of the deadliest hazards associated with tropical weather. Residents across the affected areas are encouraged to continue following forecasts and local emergency advisories until the threat of heavy rain has passed.
