Jackson, Miss. – Tropical Storm Bertha continues moving across the western Gulf of Mexico, but central Mississippi is expected to avoid direct impacts as the storm remains well southwest of the Jackson metro area. While inland communities should see little effect from the system, travelers and residents along the Gulf Coast should closely monitor changing conditions through the end of the week.
According to the National Weather Service in Jackson, the majority of Bertha’s impacts will remain confined to the western Gulf Coast. No hazardous weather associated with the tropical system is expected across the National Weather Service Jackson forecast area at this time.
Communities closer to the Gulf Coast could experience storm surge, heavy rainfall, gusty winds and a high risk of rip currents as Bertha tracks westward. Even beaches well away from the storm’s center can experience dangerous surf and life-threatening currents.
As of the 10 p.m. CDT advisory Wednesday, Bertha was located over the western Gulf of Mexico with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph and was moving west at 9 mph. The National Hurricane Center forecast keeps the system offshore while it approaches the western Gulf Coast through Thursday into Friday.
Anyone with travel plans along the Mississippi, Louisiana or Texas Gulf Coast should continue monitoring the latest forecasts and advisories, as tropical systems can shift track or intensity. Beachgoers should heed warnings from local officials, avoid entering the water where rip current advisories are posted and be prepared for changing weather conditions.
The National Weather Service says central Mississippi will continue to monitor Bertha, but no tropical weather hazards are currently anticipated for the Jackson area. Additional advisories will be issued if the forecast changes.
