Tropical Storm Bertha makes landfall in Louisiana, weakens as it moves west

Tropical Storm Bertha made landfall Wednesday in southeastern Louisiana after weakening from its peak intensity, according to the National Hurricane Center

By Chris Thomas July 23, 2026 · 9:45 am 1 min read

Heavy rain, coastal flooding and tropical-storm-force winds continue across portions of the central Gulf Coast even as the storm weakens.

The latest:

Bertha came ashore in St. Bernard Parish with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph.
The storm is moving west-northwest at 7 mph and is expected to track along the Louisiana coast before moving inland over Texas.
Tropical Storm Warnings remain in effect for portions of Louisiana, while some warnings east of the Alabama-Florida border have been discontinued.

Expected impacts:

Storm surge of 2 to 4 feet remains possible along portions of Louisiana and Mississippi.
Rainfall of 1 to 4 inches, with isolated totals up to 6 inches, could trigger localized flooding.
Dangerous surf and rip currents continue along Gulf Coast beaches.

Bottom line: Bertha is weakening but continues to pose flooding and coastal hazards as it tracks west along the Gulf Coast.