Jul 22, 2026by: Curtis Hoff No Comments

Tropical Storm Bertha Strengthens – Fred Pickhardt

Fred Pickhardt’s Substack is free today. But if you enjoyed this post, you can tell Fred Pickhardt’s Substack that their writing is valuable by pledging a future subscription. You won’t be charged unless they enable payments.

Forwarded this email? Subscribe here for more

Tropical Storm Bertha Strengthens

Max winds now to 50 knots

Fred Pickhardt

Jul 21

READ IN APP

Tropical Storm Bertha is showing increased organization this morning. Deep convection has developed around the system, dropping its minimum central pressure to 995mb. Max sustained winds have ticked up to 50 knots (approx. 60 mph). The storm is currently drifting north-northwest at a slow 3 knots.

Forecast Track and Intensity

A mid-level ridge centered near the Rockies is expected to move southeastward. This will push Bertha on a west-northwest to westward track, steering it near or along the northern Gulf Coast.

Despite the recent organization, Bertha remains an asymmetric storm. The heaviest rainfall and strongest winds are concentrated to the south and east of the center. Furthermore, strong northeasterly vertical wind shear will persist through tonight. This shear will make further intensification difficult. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) forecasts a gradual weakening trend over the coming days.

Key Impacts and Safety Warnings

Wind and Storm Conditions: A Tropical Storm Warning is currently in effect from the Florida Panhandle westward to southeastern Louisiana. Expect tropical storm conditions to arrive later today and continue into Wednesday. A Tropical Storm Watch is also in effect for metro New Orleans and the southern Gulf Coast of Louisiana.
Coastal Flooding: A Coastal Flood Warning covers the Mississippi and Louisiana coastlines. Residents in these areas should prepare for moderate coastal flooding.
Flash Flooding: Heavy rains could cause isolated areas of flash flooding through Friday. The highest risk spans the Gulf Coast from western Florida into southern Louisiana and the upper Texas coast.

You’re currently a free subscriber to Fred Pickhardt’s Substack. For the full experience, upgrade your subscription.

Upgrade to paid