Houston, Texas – Tropical Storm Bertha continues moving northwest over the northern Gulf, but forecasters say southeast Texas is expected to avoid significant impacts as the system gradually turns westward later this week.
According to the National Weather Service in Houston/Galveston, Bertha is packing maximum sustained winds of 60 mph and was located near 29.4°N, 87.2°W Tuesday evening while moving northwest at 6 mph. The storm is forecast to begin a westward track by Wednesday, remaining along the Gulf Coast through the end of the week.
Forecasters emphasize that no significant impacts are expected across southeast Texas. Environmental conditions, including wind shear, dry air and interaction with land, are expected to limit any additional strengthening of the tropical system.
While inland communities such as Houston, Sugar Land, The Woodlands and College Station are not expected to experience direct impacts, residents along the coast, including Galveston, Freeport and Matagorda, could see isolated rain showers and occasional gusty winds Thursday into Friday as moisture brushes the coastline.
Beachgoers and mariners should continue monitoring the latest forecasts, as tropical systems can produce hazardous surf and changing marine conditions even when the storm center remains well offshore. Boaters should exercise caution and be prepared for rougher seas later this week.
The National Weather Service will continue issuing tropical updates as Bertha moves westward along the Gulf Coast. Any changes in the storm’s track or expected impacts will be communicated through future advisories.
