Tropical Storm Bertha to form near US coast in just HOURS as millions brace for direct hit

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Tropical Storm Bertha to form near US coast in just HOURS as millions brace for direct hit

Daily Mail
By CHRIS MELORE
20 July 2026

A tropical storm is predicted to erupt along the US Gulf Coast within hours as millions of Americans brace for a direct hit and life-threatening conditions.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has named the disturbance Tropical Depression Two, but forecasters expect this system to grow into a named storm as soon as Monday afternoon when wind speeds increase to more than 39mph. 

At that point, it will become Tropical Storm Bertha, and it is on a path that will hit New Orleans head-on by Wednesday afternoon.

Heavy rain and sustained winds of more than 50mph are expected to impact the entire Gulf region, including the Florida Panhandle, Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana and Texas.

Dangerous seas and waves up to 16 feet high could threaten boats and beachfront communities this week as Bertha barrels from east to west.

AccuWeather meteorologist Tyler Roys said in a statement: 'Tropical systems can bring dangerous rainfall, flash flooding, and other hazardous impacts regardless of whether they receive an official designation.'

Tropical storm warnings have already been issued along the entire Florida coast by the National Weather Service, from Tallahassee to Miami, with officials saying the storm could 'capsize or damage vessels.'

Up to eight inches of rain are expected in multiple areas, including Florida's Tallahassee and Panama City, and in New Orleans, where nearly one million people live throughout the seven-parish metropolitan area.

(more)
https://www.dailymail.com/sciencetech/article-15990781/tropical-storm-bertha-new-orleans-gulf-coast.html

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Could have an effect on oil prices, if it hits just right.