Louisiana, Texas Moderate Tropical Cyclone Local Statement | Effective 07/22/2026 02:24

HLSLCH This product covers Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas **BERTHA CONTINUES WESTWARD WITH TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE ALONG THE NORTHERN GULF COAST** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - None * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for East Cameron, Lower Iberia, Lower St. Mary, and Lower Vermilion * STORM INFORMATION: - About 300 miles east of Cameron LA or about 170 miles east of Morgan City LA - 29.4N 88.3W - Storm Intensity 50 mph - Movement West or 270 degrees at 5 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ Tropical Storm Bertha is expected to move westward along or just off the southern Louisiana coast through Thursday. There is the potential for tropical storm wind gusts locally heavy rainfall for coastal locations east of Cameron. There is the potential for storm surge 1 to 3 feet between Cameron and Morgan City. A Tropical Storm Watch remains in effect for Morgan city to Cameron. A tropical Storm watch is also in effect for the Vermilion and Atchafalaya Bays and the coastal waters east of Cameron. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ----------------- * WIND: Prepare for hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across the coastal parishes of southwest and south central Louisiana. 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 Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas, little to no impact is anticipated. * SURGE: Prepare for locally hazardous surge having possible limited impacts across the coast of southwest and south central Louisiana. 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 Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas, little to no impact is anticipated. * FLOODING RAIN: Prepare for locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible limited impacts across portions of Southwest and Southcentral Louisiana. Potential impacts include: - Localized rainfall flooding may prompt a few evacuations. - Rivers and tributaries may quickly rise with swifter currents. Small streams, creeks, canals, 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. Elsewhere across Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas, little to no impact is anticipated. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ---------------------------------- * EVACUATIONS: Follow the advice of local officials. * OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION: Always heed the advice of local officials and comply with orders that are issued. Do not needlessly jeopardize your life or the lives of others. Check on those who may not be fully aware of the situation or who are unable to make personal preparations. 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 information on creating an emergency plan see getagameplan.org - For additional disaster preparedness information see redcross.org NEXT UPDATE ----------- The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather Service in Lake Charles LA around 11 AM CDT, or sooner if conditions warrant.