According to the US National Hurricane Center (NHC), at 10:00 AM on July 22 (Vietnam time), the center of tropical storm Bertha was near 29.4 degrees North latitude, 87.7 degrees West longitude, about 170 km south-southeast of Mobile City (Alabama state) and about 160 km west-southwest of Panama City (Florida state).
The storm is moving in a westerly direction at a speed of about 9 km/h, maintaining maximum winds of about 95 km/h. The storm will make landfall in the southern night or early morning of July 23.
The NHC forecasts that Bertha will affect the area from Florida Panhandle to Southeast Louisiana, including the New Orleans metropolitan area, until the end of the night of July 22 (local time). From the night of July 22 to July 23, the storm's range of influence may expand to the southwestern coastal areas of Louisiana.
The agency has issued coastal flood warnings for coastal areas of Mississippi and Louisiana. People in the westernmost part of Louisiana and along the coast of Upper Texas are also advised to continue monitoring the developments of Bertha as more warnings may have to be issued in the near future.
In addition to strong winds, the Bertha circulation may cause localized heavy rain, increasing the risk of flash floods in areas along the Gulf of Mexico from western Florida Panhandle to southern Louisiana, lasting until the end of July 23.
Hurricane Bertha is forecast to continue moving westward in the next 36-48 hours, following or close to the coast of the Gulf of Mexico North before affecting the Southeast Louisiana area around July 23 (local time).
The storm's circulation can cause strong winds, heavy rain, coastal flooding and flash floods in many states along the Gulf of Mexico. After interacting with the mainland, Bertha will gradually weaken due to the impact of strong windbreaks and dry air.
People and tourists planning to travel to the Gulf of Mexico during this time should pay attention to weather forecasts. Check flight schedules and follow local instructions to avoid storms and floods that are dangerous throughout the journey.
