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Tropical Storm Bertha strengthens as it nears Gulf Coast, NHC says
Orlando Sentinel • • nation
Key Points:
- Tropical Storm Bertha strengthened overnight and is currently located about 100 miles south-southwest of Panama City, moving northwest at 5 mph with sustained winds of 50 mph and gusts higher.
- The National Hurricane Center expects Bertha to move near or along the northern Gulf Coast over the next several days, with tropical storm warnings and watches in effect from Florida to Louisiana.
- Bertha may intensify slightly to 60 mph sustained winds today but is forecast to weaken within 48 hours due to dry air and strong wind shear disrupting its structure.
- The storm is expected to bring 1-4 feet of storm surge along parts of the Gulf Coast, 2-4 inches of rainfall with localized flooding, and dangerous surf and rip currents through Thursday.
- The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season is predicted to be below normal, with 8-14 named storms expected, including 3-6 hurricanes and 1-3 major hurricanes, running from June 1 to November 30.
