Parts of the Florida Panhandle are experiencing impacts from Tropical Storm Bertha as it moves slowly across the Gulf of Mexico. The system became the second named storm of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season on July 20, and by July 21, forecasters indicated that Bertha would remain a tropical storm while traversing the region. Dr. Ryan Truchelut, chief meteorologist at WeatherTiger, noted in an advisory to the USA TODAY Network that impacts are mostly limited to periodic rainbands along the Central and Eastern Gulf Coast through midweek.
Current Storm Position and Forecast
According to the 5 p.m. ET advisory from the National Hurricane Center on July 21, tropical storm conditions were spreading westward along coastal portions of the Florida Panhandle. Bertha was located approximately 105 miles west-southwest of Panama City at that time. The system was moving northwest at a slow speed of 6 mph with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph.
Forecast models suggest gradual weakening is expected from Wednesday, July 22, through Friday, July 24. On the forecast track, Bertha will move near or along the northern Gulf Coast during this period. A tropical storm warning remains in effect from the Bay/Gulf County Line in Florida to Morgan City, Louisiana.
Coastal Hazards and Safety Warnings
The National Weather Service Mobile has issued warnings regarding life-threatening rip currents and dangerous surf conditions that are expected to persist for most of the week. Residents planning beach activities are urged to exercise extreme caution due to these hazardous marine environments.
Isolated areas of flash flooding will be possible through Thursday, July 23, along the Gulf Coast from the western Florida Panhandle into southern Louisiana. Tropical storm warnings remain in effect in Florida specifically from the Bay/Gulf County line to the Florida/Alabama border as authorities monitor the developing situation.
