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Isaias Intensifies to a Major Hurricane

Hurricane Isaias intensified to a major hurricane early on Friday as it moved toward the northern Gulf Coast.  At 8:20 a.m. EDT on Friday the center of Hurricane Isaias was located at latitude 27.0°N and longitude 87.6°W which put the center about 240 miles (390 km) south of Pensacola, Florida.  Isaias was moving toward the north-northeast at 15 m.p.h. (24 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 120 m.p.h. (195 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 140 m.p.h. (225 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 959 mb.

A Hurricane Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Ocean Springs, Mississippi to the Bay County/ Gulf County line in Florida.  The Hurricane Warning includes Mobile, Alabama and Pensacola, Florida.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from the Jefferson Parish/Plaquemines Parish line in Louisiana to Ocean Springs, Mississippi.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from the Bay County/Gulf County Line to Aucilla River, Florida.

Aircraft reconnaissance found that Hurricane Isaias had intensified to a major hurricane on Friday morning.

A circular eye with a diameter of 25 miles (40 km) was at the center of Hurricane Isaias.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Isaias’ circulation.  Storms near the center of Isaias generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The size of the circulation around Hurricane Isaias increased on Thursday night.  Winds to hurricane force extended out 30 miles (50 km) from the center of Isaias’ circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 185 miles (295 km) from the center of Hurricane Isaias.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Hurricane Isaias is 22.1.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) is 12.0 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) is 34.1.  Hurricane Isaias is similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Dennis when Dennis hit Northwest Florida in 2005.

Hurricane Isaias will move through an environment that will be somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 12 hours.  Isaias will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will move under the southeastern part of an upper level trough that is over Texas.  The upper level trough will produce southwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Isaias’ circulation.  Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear, but the wind shear may not be enough to prevent intensification.  Hurricane Isaias could intensify during the next 12 hours.

The upper level trough over Texas will steer Isaias toward the north during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Isaias will make landfall on the northern Gulf Coast near Pensacola, Florida on Friday night.

Hurricane Isaias will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to the northern Gulf Coast.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.  Isaias will be capable of causing major damage.  Widespread electricity outages are likely.

Flood Watches are in effect for parts of southern Mississippi, southern Alabama, and Northwest Florida.

Isaias could cause a storm surge of up to 13 feet (4 meters) along portions of the northern Gulf Coast.

A Storm Surge Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from the Mouth of the Mississippi River to Suwannee River, Florida.

Hurricane Isaias Intensifies to Cat. 2

Hurricane Isaias intensified to Category 2 on the Saffir-Simpson Scale on Thursday afternoon.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Hurricane Isaias was located at latitude 24.4°N and longitude 89.3°W which put the center about 325 miles (525 km) south of the Mouth of the Mississippi River.  Isaias was moving toward the northeast at 12 m.p.h. (19 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 100 m.p.h. (160 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 120 m.p.h. (195 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 975 mb.

A Hurricane Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Ocean Springs, Mississippi to the Bay County/ Gulf County line in Florida.  The Hurricane Warning includes Mobile, Alabama and Pensacola, Florida.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from the Jefferson Parish/Plaquemines Parish line in Louisiana to Ocean Springs, Mississippi.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from the Bay County/Gulf County Line to Aucilla River, Florida.

Hurricane Isaias intensified to Cat. 2 on the Saffir- Simpson Scale on Thursday afternoon.

The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the center of Isaias’ circulation.  A circular eye with a diameter of 30 miles (50 km) formed at the center of Hurricane Isaias.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Isaias’ circulation.  Storms near the center of Isaias generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The distribution of wind speeds in Hurricane Isaias became more symmetrical on Thursday afternoon.  Winds to hurricane force extended out 20 miles (30 km) from the center of Isaias’ circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 130 miles (210 km) from the center of Hurricane Isaias.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Hurricane Isaias is 16.5.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) is 8.6 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) is 25.1.  Hurricane Isaias is similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Idalia when Idalia hit Florida in 2023.

Hurricane Isaias will move through an environment that will be favorable for intensification during the next 18 hours.  Isaias will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will move under the southeastern part of an upper level trough that is over the South Central U.S.  The upper level trough will produce westerly winds that will blow toward the top of Isaias’ circulation.  Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear, but the wind shear will not be enough to prevent intensification.  Hurricane Isaias is likely to intensify during the next 18 hours.  Isaias could strengthen to a major hurricane.

Hurricane Isaias will move around the southeastern part of the upper level trough that is over the South Central U.S.   The upper level trough will steer Isaias toward the north-northeast during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Isaias will reach the northern Gulf Coast on Friday night.

Hurricane Isaias will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to the northern Gulf Coast.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.  Isaias will be capable of causing serious damage.  Widespread electricity outages are likely.

Flood Watches are in effect for parts of southern Mississippi, southern Alabama, and Northwest Florida.

Isaias could cause a storm surge of up to 12 feet (3.6 meters) along portions of the northern Gulf Coast.

A Storm Surge Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from the Mouth of the Mississippi River to Suwannee River, Florida.

Isaias Strengthens to a Hurricane

Former Tropical Storm Isaias strengthened to a hurricane as it moved over the central Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday night.  At 8:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Hurricane Isaias was located at latitude 23.7°N and longitude 90.6°W which put the center about 385 miles (620 km) south-southwest of the Mouth of the Mississippi River.  Isaias was moving toward the east-northeast at 9 m.p.h. (15 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 95 m.p.h. (150 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 975 mb.

A Hurricane Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Ocean Springs, Mississippi to the Bay County/ Gulf County line in Florida.  The Hurricane Warning includes Mobile, Alabama and Pensacola, Florida.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from the Jefferson Parish/Plaquemines Parish line in Louisiana to Ocean Springs, Mississippi.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from the Bay County/Gulf County Line to Aucilla River, Florida.

Former Tropical Storm Isaias strengthened to a hurricane on Wednesday night.

The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the western and southern sides of the center of Hurricane Isaias.  An eye appeared to be forming at the center of Isaias’ circulation.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Isaias’ circulation.  Storms near the center of Isaias generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The strongest winds were occurring in the rainband that wrapped around the western side of the center of Hurricane Isaias.  Winds to hurricane force extended out 20 miles (30 km) in the western side of Isaias’ circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 90 miles (145 km) from the center of Hurricane Isaias.

Hurricane Isaias will move through an environment that will be favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Isaias will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will move under the southeastern part of an upper level trough that is over the South Central U.S.  The upper level trough will produce westerly winds that will blow toward the top of Isaias’ circulation.  Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear, but the wind shear will not be enough to prevent intensification.  Hurricane Isaias will intensify during the next 24 hours.

Hurricane Isaias will move around the southeastern part of the upper level trough that is over the South Central U.S.   The upper level trough will steer Isaias toward the northeast during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Isaias will reach the northern Gulf Coast on Friday night.

Hurricane Isaias will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to the northern Gulf Coast.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Flood Watches are in effect for parts of southern Mississippi, southern Alabama, and Northwest Florida.

Isaias could cause a storm surge of up to 12 feet (3.6 meters) along portions of the northern Gulf Coast.

A Storm Surge Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from the Mouth of the Mississippi River to Steinhatchee River, Florida.

 

 

Hurricane Warning issued for Northern Gulf Coast

A Hurricane Warning was issued for a portion of the northern Gulf Coast on Wednesday night because of the threat posed by Tropical Storm Isaias.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Isaias was located at latitude 22.9°N and longitude 91.9°W which put the center about 460 miles (745 km) south-southwest of the Mouth of the Mississippi River.  Isaias was moving toward the east-northeast at 9 m.p.h. (15 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 70 m.p.h. (110 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 85 m.p.h. (135 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 988 mb.

A Hurricane Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Ocean Springs, Mississippi to the Bay County/ Gulf County line in Florida.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from the Jefferson Parish/Plaquemines Parish line in Louisiana to Ocean Springs, Mississippi.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from the Bay County/Gulf County Line to Aucilla River, Florida.

Tropical Storm Isaias continued to intensify on Wednesday evening.  Isaias was on the threshold of becoming a hurricane.

Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Isaias’ circulation.  Storms near the center of Isaias generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The distribution of wind speeds in Tropical Storm Isaias was fairly symmetrical.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 60 miles (95 km) from the center of Isaias’ circulation.

Tropical Storm Isaias will move through an environment that will be favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Isaias will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will move under the middle of an upper level ridge that is over the Gulf of Mexico.  The upper level winds are weak near the middle of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Tropical Storm Isaias will intensify during the next 24 hours.  Isaias could intensify rapidly at times.  Tropical Storm Isaias will strengthen to a hurricane by Thursday morning.

Tropical Storm Isaias will move around the southeastern part of an upper level trough that is over the Southern Plains.  The upper level trough will steer Isaias toward the northeast during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Isaias will reach the northern Gulf Coast on Friday night.

Tropical Storm Isaias will be a hurricane when it reaches the northern Gulf Coast.  Isaias could be a major hurricane when it reaches the coast.  Isaias will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to the northern Gulf Coast.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Isaias could cause a storm surge of up to 12 feet (3.6 meters) along portions of the northern Gulf Coast.

A Storm Surge Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from the Mouth of the Mississippi River to Steinhatchee River, Florida.

Hurricane Watch Issued for Northern Gulf Coast

A Hurricane Watch was issued for a portion of the northern Gulf Coast on Wednesday because of the threat posed by Tropical Storm Isaias.  At 2:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Isaias was located at latitude 22.6°N and longitude 93.4°W which put the center about 520 miles (840 km) south-southwest of the Mouth of the Mississippi River.  Isaias was moving toward the east-northeast at 8 m.p.h. (13 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 997 mb.

A Hurricane Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast from Bay St. Louis, Mississippi to Indian Pass, Florida.

A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast from the Jefferson Parish/Plaquemines Parish line in Louisiana to Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.

A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast from Indian Pass to Aucilla River, Florida.

Tropical Storm Isaias was strengthening on Wednesday afternoon.

New thunderstorms continued to develop near the center of Tropical Storm Isaias.  Thunderstorms were also occurring in bands that were revolving around the center of Isaias’ circulation.  Storms near the center of Isaias generated more upper level divergence that pumped more mass away from the tropical storm.  The removal of more mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The distribution of wind speeds in Tropical Storm Isaias was becoming more symmetrical.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 45 miles (75 km) from the center of Isaias’ circulation.

Tropical Storm Isaias will move through an environment that will be favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Isaias will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will move under the middle of an upper level ridge that is over the Gulf of Mexico.  The upper level winds are weak near the middle of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Tropical Storm Isaias will intensify during the next 24 hours.  Isaias could intensify rapidly.  Tropical Storm Isaias could strengthen to a hurricane by Thursday morning.

An upper level trough over the eastern U.S. and the Gulf of Mexico will steer Tropical Storm Isaias toward the east-northeast during the next 24 hours.  A different upper level trough approaching from the Southern Plains west will start to steer Isaias toward the north on Thursday.  Tropical Storm Isaias could reach the northern Gulf Coast by Friday night.

Tropical Storm Isaias is likely to be a hurricane when it reaches the northern Gulf Coast.  Isaias could be a major hurricane when it reaches the coast.  Isaias will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to the northern Gulf Coast.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Tropical Storm Isaias could cause a storm surge of up to 12 feet (3.6 meters) along portions of the northern Gulf Coast.

A Storm Surge Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast from the Mouth of the Mississippi River to Yankeetown, Florida.

Tropical Storm Edouard Moves over Southeast Texas

Tropical Storm Edouard moved over southeast Texas near Port Arthur on Tuesday afternoon.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Storm Edouard was located at latitude 29.9°N and longitude 94.0°W which put the center about 5 miles (10 km) west of Port Arthur, Texas.  Edouard was moving toward the northwest at 7 m.p.h. (11 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 998 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Port Bolivar, Texas to the Vermilion/Cameron Parish Line in Louisiana.

The center of Tropical Storm Edouard moved inland near Port Arthur, Texas on Tuesday afternoon.  The maximum sustained wind speed was 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h) at the time of landfall.

Winds to tropical storm force extend out 25 miles (40 km) from the center of Tropical Storm Arthur.

Tropical Storm Edouard will move around the southwestern part of a high pressure system that is over the Southeast U.S.  The high pressure system will steer Edouard toward the northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Edouard will move inland over southeast Texas.

Tropical Storm Edouard will bring strong winds and heavy rain to parts of southeast Texas.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

A Flood Watch is in effect for parts of southeast Texas.

Tropical Storm Edouard Strengthens

Tropical Storm Edouard was strengthening on Tuesday morning as it near the northwest Gulf Coast.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Storm Edouard was located at latitude 29.4°N and longitude 93.3°W which put the center about 30 miles (50 km) south of Cameron, Louisiana.  Edouard was moving toward the northwest at 8 m.p.h. (13 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1000 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Port Bolivar, Texas to the Vermilion/Iberia Parish Line in Louisiana.

A Hurricane Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast from High Island, Texas to Cameron, Louisiana.

An U.S. Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter reconnaissance plane found that Tropical Storm Edouard was strengthening on Tuesday morning.  The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the southern and eastern sides of the center of Edouard’s circulation.  Other bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Tropical Storm Edouard.  Storms near the center of Edouard generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The circulation around Tropical Storm Edouard was small.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 25 miles (40 km) from the center of Edouard’s circulation.

Tropical Storm Edouard will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next few hours.  Edouard will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Tropical Storm Edouard is likely to continue to intensify until it makes landfall in a few hours.

Tropical Storm Edouard will move around the southwestern part of a high pressure system that is over the Southeast U.S.  The high pressure system will steer Edouard toward the northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Edouard will make landfall on the northwest Gulf Coast near the border between Texas and Louisiana in a few hours.

Tropical Storm Edouard will make landfall on the coast near the border between Texas and Louisiana in a few hours.   Edouard bring strong winds and locally heavy rain.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

A Flood Watch is in effect for southeast Texas including the area around Houston.

Tropical Storm Edouard could also cause a storm surge of up to 6 feet (2 meters) along a portion of the coast near the border between Texas and Louisiana.

A Storm Surge Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from High Island, Texas to the Vermilion/Cameron Parish Line in Louisiana.

Tropical Storm Edouard Develops South of Louisiana

Tropical Storm Edouard developed over the northern Gulf of Mexico south of Louisiana on Monday evening.  At 8:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Edouard was located at latitude 28.4°N and longitude 91.6°W which put the center about 140 miles (225 km) southeast of Cameron, Louisiana.  Edouard was moving toward the west-northwest at 6 m.p.h. (10 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (65 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1010 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Port Bolivar, Texas to the Vermilion/Iberia Parish Line in Louisiana.

Former Tropical Depression Five strengthened on Monday evening and the U.S. National Hurricane Center designated the system as Tropical Storm Edouard.

Tropical Storm Edouard was gradually strengthening on Monday evening.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Edouard’s circulation.  Storms near the center of Edouard generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease slowly.

The circulation around Tropical Storm Edouard was small.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 25 miles (40 km) from the center of Edouard’s circulation.

Tropical Storm Edouard will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 18 hours.  Edouard will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Tropical Storm will intensify during the next 18 hours.

Tropical Storm Edouard will move around the southwestern part of a high pressure system that is over the Southeast U.S.  The high pressure system will steer Edouard toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Edouard will move toward the northwest Gulf Coast.

Tropical Storm Edouard will make landfall on the coast near the border between Texas and Louisiana on Tuesday.   Edouard bring strong winds and locally heavy rain.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

A Flood Watch is in effect for southeast Texas including the area around Houston.

Tropical Storm Edouard could also cause a storm surge of up to 6 feet (2 meters) along a portion of the coast near the border between Texas and Louisiana.

A Storm Surge Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast from High Island, Texas to the Vermilion/Cameron Parish Line in Louisiana.

Tropical Storm Warning Issued for Texas and Louisiana

A Tropical Storm Warning was issued for a portion of the coast of Texas and Louisiana on Monday morning.  The U.S. National Hurricane Center designated a low pressure system south of Louisiana as Potential Tropical Cyclone Five.

At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Potential Tropical Cyclone Five was located at latitude 27.8°N and longitude 91.0°W which put the center about 130 miles (210 km) south of Morgan City, Louisiana.  The low pressure system was moving toward the west-northwest at 5 m.p.h. (8 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 35 m.p.h. (55 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1013 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Port Bolivar, Texas to the Vermilion/Cameron Parish Line in Louisiana.

More thunderstorms developed in a low pressure system south of Louisiana on Monday morning and the U.S. National Hurricane Center designated the system as Potential Tropical Cyclone Five.  More thunderstorms formed near the center of the low pressure system.  Additional thunderstorms also developed in bands in the southern half of the low pressure system.  Storms near the center of circulation began to generate upper level divergence that started to pumped mass away from the low pressure system.

Potential Tropical Cyclone Five will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  The low pressure system will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Potential Tropical Cyclone Fiver is likely to intensify during the next 24 hours.  The low pressure system is likely to strengthen to Tropical Storm Edouard.

Potential Tropical Cyclone Five will move around the southwestern part of a high pressure system that is over the Southeast U.S.  The high pressure system will steer the low pressure system toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Potential Tropical Cyclone Five will move toward the northwest Gulf Coast.

Potential Tropical Cyclone Five is likely to make landfall on the coast near the border between Texas and Louisiana on Tuesday.  The low pressure system will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

A Flood Watch is in effect for southeast Texas including the area around Houston.

Potential Tropical Cyclone Five could also cause a storm surge of up to 6 feet (2 meters) along a portion of the coast near the border between Texas and Louisiana.

Tropical Storm Bertha Near Texas/Louisiana Border

The center of Tropical Storm Bertha moved back inland near the border between Texas and Louisiana on Thursday afternoon.  At 2:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Bertha was located at latitude 29.9°N and longitude 93.8°W which put the center about 20 miles (30 km) east of Port Arthur, Texas.  Bertha was moving toward the west at 10 m.p.h. (16 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1004 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Morgan City, Louisiana to Sargent, Texas.

Tropical Storm Bertha was bringing gusty winds to southern Louisiana and eastern Texas on Thursday afternoon.  However, the strongest winds were in the southeastern part of Bertha’s circulation.  Those winds were occurring over the Gulf of Mexico.

The distribution of wind speeds around Tropical Storm Bertha was very asymmetrical.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 160 miles (260 km) in the southern part of Bertha’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force only extended out 25 miles (40 km) in the northern side of Tropical Storm Bertha.

The heaviest rain was falling in thunderstorms located in bands in the southwestern periphery of Tropical Storm Bertha.  Those thunderstorms were over the Gulf of Mexico east of Texas.  Light to moderate rain was falling over southern Louisiana and eastern Texas from showers and a few thunderstorms in bands closer to the low level center of Bertha’s circulation.

Tropical Storm Bertha will move around the southern side of a high pressure system that is over the Southern Plains.  The high pressure system will steer Bertha toward the west-southwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, the center of Tropical Storm Bertha will move inland over eastern and south central Texas.

Tropical Storm Bertha will produce gusty winds over eastern and south central Texas as it moves inland.  Thunderstorms, primarily south of the center of Bertha’s circulation, could produce heavy rain in some locations.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some places.