Tropical Storm Bertha made landfall in southeastern Louisiana at about 2 p.m. CDT on Wednesday, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, storm surge and the possibility of isolated tornadoes to communities along the Gulf Coast. The storm moved ashore near the Biloxi Wildlife Management Area in St. Bernard Parish with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph.
Tropical Storm Warnings remained in effect for metropolitan New Orleans and the Lake Pontchartrain region as reports of coastal flooding emerged. Forecasters said southeastern Louisiana and coastal Mississippi could experience tropical-storm-force winds, rainfall and isolated tornadoes through Thursday. A storm surge reaching three feet was also considered possible along sections of the immediate coastline.
Bertha created hazardous marine conditions farther east. Along Alabama’s Gulf Coast, officials raised double red flags at Orange Beach, indicating that the water was closed to swimmers because of life-threatening surf and rip currents. Waves were forecast to reach between 9 and 11 feet. Authorities warned that people entering the water could face fines or arrest.
The storm contributed to beach erosion and flooding in Alabama. At least six vehicles were submerged on the western end of Dauphin Island. Officials also closed parts of Dauphin Island Parkway near Dog River and limited access to the eastbound Interstate 10 Bayway ramp.
In Florida’s Panhandle, Panama City Beach recorded wind gusts of up to 42 mph, while some nearby areas saw gusts as high as 50 mph on Tuesday.
Bertha is the second named storm of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, after Tropical Storm Arthur formed in June. Although forecasters described Bertha as somewhat disorganized because strong upper-level winds were disrupting its structure, they said it would continue producing dangerous conditions. The primary concerns remained damaging gusts, rough surf, rip currents, heavy rainfall, coastal flooding, storm surge and isolated tornadoes across affected areas.