Shreveport, Louisiana – Tropical Storm Bertha is expected to remain well south of the ArkLaTex as it tracks westward along the northern Gulf Coast, sparing most of the Four State Region from significant tropical impacts while hazardous conditions stay focused closer to the coastline.
According to the National Weather Service in Shreveport, very little, if any, impact is expected across the ArkLaTex, which includes portions of northeast Texas, northwest Louisiana, southwest Arkansas and southeast Oklahoma. The latest forecast keeps Bertha moving slowly westward along the Gulf Coast, with the majority of its strongest weather remaining along and south of the coastline.
While communities such as Shreveport, Texarkana, Longview and El Dorado are not expected to experience direct effects from the storm at this time, residents traveling to the Louisiana or Texas Gulf Coast should be prepared for hazardous marine conditions, heavy rain, gusty winds and dangerous surf. Tropical conditions can change quickly, and impacts often extend beyond the projected center track.
The National Weather Service encourages residents across the ArkLaTex to continue monitoring official forecasts over the next several days in case Bertha’s path or intensity changes. Even though inland impacts are expected to remain limited, staying informed is important during the peak of hurricane season.
Forecasters will continue issuing updated tropical advisories as Bertha progresses westward along the Gulf Coast. Additional watches or warnings could become necessary if the forecast track shifts closer to the region.
