By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2026-07-23 14:24:45 | Updated at 2026-07-23 16:00:51
1 hour ago
Tropical Storm Bertha is expected to strike the US coast for a second time as forecasters warn that millions of residents could feel the impact within hours.
The heart of the storm has moved back into the Gulf of America after making its first landfall Wednesday afternoon in Alabama and Louisiana.
Meteorologists with AccuWeather said this has allowed Bertha to gather strength as it approaches the Texas coast, near major cities such as Houston, Galveston and Beaumont.
Bertha currently has sustained winds of 45mph and is projected to strike Texas by 3pm ET Thursday at tropical storm strength, bringing potentially dangerous wind gusts of up to 60mph, heavy downpours and flash flooding to coastal communities.
AccuWeather Meteorologist Breanna Grill said in a statement: 'Flooding rain and storm surge remain the primary threats.'
'The highest additional rainfall totals of 2-4 inches are expected across a portion of southern and coastal Texas. The Texas Hill Country may be especially susceptible to flash flooding following last week’s catastrophic flooding,' she added.
Officials in Galveston and Harris Counties have warned residents to prepare for flooding in low-lying areas which may lead to local evacuations when the storm makes landfall.
Authorities in Harris County said: 'Residents who live in an evacuation zone need to know their evacuation routes and follow instructions from local authorities.'
Tropical Storm Bertha (Pictured) makes its second US landfall in Texas on July 23
Bertha slammed into the Louisiana and Alabama coasts on Wednesday, July 22, causing storm surges and local flooding
AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva noted that Bertha's shift into the warm Gulf waters has given the relatively weak tropical storm a chance to reorganize and gain strength instead of dying out over land in Louisiana.
So far, the Gulf has been spared a more severe impact from Bertha thanks to extreme wind shear blowing south from the northern US, which has been slamming into the cyclone and pushing its thunderstorms away from the shore.
DaSilva said in a statement: 'Even though Bertha will bring its share of problems from flooding downpours, storm surge and gusty winds, people along the central Gulf Coast should feel fortunate in that wind shear likely prevented the storm from becoming a major hurricane.'
Despite the storm's limitations, over 500 miles of the US Gulf Coast has been under a tropical storm warning over the last 48 hours.
The Florida Panhandle has seen up to three feet of storm surge, where sea levels rise sharply and flood coastal areas.
Forecasters warned that storm surge could reach as high as five feet in some areas as the storm continues to move west and remains at tropical storm strength.
On Wednesday, beaches in Alabama were shut down and swimming was banned under a double red flag warning due to life-threatening rip currents and rough surf.
Vehicles were seen becoming trapped in the sand on the west end of Dauphin Island overnight as waves crashed onto the shore and water levels rose quickly, according to Fox 10.
Bertha has maintained tropical storm strength after moving back into the Gulf of America
Cars in Alabama were seen submerged as Tropical Storm Bertha caused storm surges of several feet as it made landfall on July 22
Thousands of Louisiana residents lost power on Wednesday as Bertha made its first landfall before 3pm ET.
Over 1,200 customers in Uptown New Orleans were still without power Wednesday night as the storm barreled over Orleans and Jefferson Parishes.
This is a breaking story. More details to follow.
Residents along the Gulf Coast have been urged to avoid coastal areas and prepare for potential flood evacuation orders
