Florida Moderate Tropical Cyclone Local Statement | Effective 07/20/2026 20:09

HLSTAE This product covers eastern Florida panhandle, Florida Big Bend, southeastern Alabama and southwestern Georgia **TROPICAL STORM WATCHES CANCELLED FOR COASTAL FRANKLIN AND GULF COUNTIES** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - The Tropical Storm Watch has been cancelled for Coastal Franklin and Coastal Gulf * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Coastal Bay and South Walton * STORM INFORMATION: - About 140 miles south of Panama City or about 120 miles south-southwest of Apalachicola - 28.2N 85.9W - Storm Intensity 40 mph - Movement Stationary SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ ...THE CORE OF TROPICAL STORM BERTHA TO REMAIN OFFSHORE ON TUESDAY BEFORE SLOWLY MOVING AWAY FROM THE REGION STARTING TUESDAY NIGHT... At 10 PM CDT, the center of Tropical Storm Bertha was located 140 miles south of Panama City. Maximum sustained winds were near 40 mph. Bertha has been meandering and is nearly stationary. A slow west- northwestward or westward motion is expected to begin on Tuesday. On the forecast track, the core of Tropical Storm Bertha is expected to remain offshore of the eastern Panhandle. Peripheral impacts are expected in coastal communities, including dangerous beach conditions from rip currents and very rough surf, minor coastal flooding, dangerous marine conditions from large waves and strong winds, and gusty winds in squalls. Locally heavy rainfall is expected along and south of I-10 in Florida, posing the risk of isolated flash flooding. Rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches, with isolated spots near 6 inches, are possible over the next couple of days, especially along and south of I-10. Storm Surge along the coast of Apalachee Bay will bring 1 to 3 feet of inundation over normally dry ground near the shoreline at times of high tide on Tuesday. West of Indian Pass, including the coasts of Gulf, Bay, and Walton Counties, storm surge inundation of 1 to 2 feet is expected over normally dry ground near the shoreline at times of high tide through Wednesday morning. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ----------------- * WIND: Prepare for hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across the coastal Florida Panhandle. Potential impacts in this area include: - Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about. - Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown over. - A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within urban or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving conditions on bridges and other elevated roadways. - Scattered power and communications outages. Elsewhere across eastern Florida panhandle, Florida Big Bend, southeastern Alabama and southwestern Georgia, little to no impact is anticipated. * SURGE: Prepare for locally hazardous surge having possible limited impacts across the Florida Panhandle and Big Bend coasts. Potential impacts in this area include: - Localized inundation with storm surge flooding mainly along immediate shorelines and in low-lying spots, or in areas farther inland near where higher surge waters move ashore. - Sections of near-shore roads and parking lots become overspread with surge water. Driving conditions dangerous in places where surge water covers the road. - Moderate beach erosion. Heavy surf also breaching dunes, mainly in usually vulnerable locations. Strong rip currents. - Minor to locally moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers. A few small craft broken away from moorings. Elsewhere across eastern Florida panhandle, Florida Big Bend, southeastern Alabama and southwestern Georgia, little to no impact is anticipated. * FLOODING RAIN: Prepare for locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible limited impacts across eastern Florida panhandle, Florida Big Bend, southeastern Alabama and southwestern Georgia. Potential impacts include: - Localized rainfall flooding may prompt a few evacuations. - Rivers and tributaries may quickly rise with swifter currents. Small streams, creeks, and ditches may become swollen and overflow in spots. - Flood waters can enter a few structures, especially in usually vulnerable spots. A few places where rapid ponding of water occurs at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage areas. Several storm drains and retention ponds become near-full and begin to overflow. Some brief road and bridge closures. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ---------------------------------- * EVACUATIONS: Follow the advice of local officials * OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION: Now is the time to check your emergency plan and emergency supplies kit and take necessary actions to protect your family and secure your home or business. When making safety and preparedness decisions, do not focus on the exact forecast track since hazards such as flooding rain, damaging wind gusts, and storm surge extend well away from the center of the storm. If you are a visitor, know the name of the county in which you are located and where it is relative to current watches and warnings. If staying at a hotel, ask the management staff about their onsite disaster plan. Listen for evacuation orders, especially pertaining to area visitors. Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather Radio and local news outlets for official storm information. Listen for possible changes to the forecast. * ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION: - For information on appropriate preparations see ready.gov - For additional disaster preparedness information see redcross.org NEXT UPDATE ----------- The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather Service in Tallahassee FL around 4 AM CDT, or sooner if conditions warrant.