Tropical Storm Bertha Nears Texas Coast After Louisiana Landfall

Tropical Storm Bertha made landfall along the Louisiana coastline Thursday morning, with minor coastal flooding reported as its sole impact. As of 7 a.m. Thursday, the storm was situated approximately 70 miles southeast of Lake Charles, Louisiana, and progressing westward at 13 mph. This marks a significant increase in its forward speed compared to the previous day.

A tropical storm warning has been issued for the Gulf Coast, stretching from the Terrebonne/Lafourche Parish line to Sargent, Texas. Forecasters anticipate tidal surges ranging from 1 to 3 feet along the coast from the Mississippi River's mouth to Port Bolivar, Texas.

The majority of Bertha's rainfall has been concentrated over the Gulf of Mexico. However, localized flooding onshore remains a possibility if the storm's rain bands align over a specific area. Bertha is projected to reach the Texas coast later on Thursday and is expected to maintain its tropical storm strength until landfall on Friday.