Tropical Storm Bertha Impact on Louisiana Gulf Coast: Path and Forecast (2026)

Tropical Storm Bertha, the second named storm of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, is now crawling westward just south of the Mississippi coast, bringing heavy rain and gusty winds to a wide stretch of the northern Gulf Coast. As of Wednesday, July 22, the storm's maximum sustained winds had dropped to 50 mph, down 10 mph from Tuesday night, and forecasters expect it to continue gradually weakening as it moves near or along the coast over the next couple of days.

Bertha is expected to make landfall near New Orleans, Louisiana, by Wednesday night, then continue westward toward Houston, Texas, and dissipate by the end of the week, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC). The storm's arrival comes amid sweltering summer heat in the US South, compounding the challenge for residents and emergency managers.

Current Status and Projected Path

As of the NHC's latest update, Bertha was located just south of the Mississippi coast, moving northwest at around 3 mph. Tropical storm-force winds extend 70 miles outward from the center. The storm is expected to impact coastal areas from the Florida Panhandle to Texas, including major cities such as New Orleans and Houston.

The NHC said the system is crawling westward "with little acceleration" and is forecast to stick close to the coast. After moving over the New Orleans area Wednesday night, Bertha will continue toward Houston and then dissipate by the end of the week.

Warnings and Watches in Effect

A tropical storm warning is in effect from the Okaloosa/Walton County Line in Florida to Morgan City, Louisiana, including New Orleans and Lake Pontchartrain. A tropical storm watch extends from west of Morgan City, Louisiana, to Sargent, Texas, and for Lake Maurepas in Louisiana. Tropical storm watches were expanded Wednesday to include coastal parts of southwestern Louisiana and northeastern Texas as the storm traveled in their direction.

"Tropical storm conditions will continue spreading across portions of the northern Gulf Coast within the warning area today," the hurricane center said early Wednesday. "Tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area in Louisiana by tonight and along the upper Texas coast by Thursday or Thursday night."

Key Hazards: Storm Surge, Rainfall, and Tornadoes

The NHC warns of a "life-threatening storm surge" of 1 to 4 feet along parts of the Louisiana and Mississippi coastlines. Heavy rainfall is the primary threat: total amounts of 1 to 4 inches are expected through Thursday along the central to western Gulf Coast, with isolated higher totals up to 6 inches. Some areas could receive up to 8 inches of rain by Friday, according to earlier forecasts. Flash flooding is possible in urban areas.

Isolated tornadoes could also spawn in Florida, forecasters said. The storm's slow movement increases the risk of prolonged heavy rain and localized flooding.

Preparations Underway in New Orleans

In New Orleans, sandbags are being distributed to help residents stave off floodwaters. City officials have also asked residents to clear local storm drains to reduce the risk of street flooding. The preparations come as the region endures sweltering summer heat, adding urgency to the response.

Bertha is the second named storm of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, following Tropical Storm Arthur, which brought some flooding to the US last month. The storm is forecast to weaken to a tropical depression on Thursday and may dissipate by the end of the week as it nears the Texas coast.

For continuous updates on the storm's path and intensity, follow our Tropical Storm Bertha weather forecast tracker.