Tropical Storm Bertha strengthens as Louisiana braces for landfall
What's next: Bertha could bring 1 to 4 feet of storm surge, up to 8 inches of rain and isolated tornadoes along the Gulf Coast.
Tropical Storm Bertha strengthened Tuesday in the Gulf of Mexico as it tracked slowly toward southeastern Louisiana, with landfall possible near New Orleans by Wednesday. The National Hurricane Center said the storm was about 90 miles southwest of Panama City, Florida, with top sustained winds of 60 mph and tropical-storm-force winds extending about 70 miles from the center. Watches and warnings stretched from the Florida Panhandle to southeastern Louisiana, including parts of Alabama and Mississippi. Forecasters warned of flash flooding, coastal inundation and isolated tornadoes, while New Orleans distributed sandbags and urged residents to clear storm drains ahead of the storm.