A tropical storm currently swirling in the US Gulf is expected to bring heavy rainfall and a life-threatening storm surge
to the south-east of the country, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC).
Current Status and Forecast Path
As of Monday, Tropical Storm Bertha was located approximately 105 miles (165km) south of Panama City, Florida. The storm is carrying windspeeds of 40mph (65 km/h) and is moving in a north-westerly direction at a speed of around 3mph. The Miami-based NHC stated, Bertha will move near or along the northern Gulf coast during the next several days.
According to an updated bulletin released on Monday evening, the storm may build in strength over the coming days. Forecasters anticipate that the system could potentially make landfall in New Orleans, Louisiana, by Wednesday. As the storm drifts west towards Texas, it is currently forecast to weaken back to a tropical depression by Thursday and may dissipate entirely by the end of the week.
Threats to the Gulf Coast
The storm poses a multi-faceted threat to Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Forecasters have warned that some areas could receive up to 8 inches (20cm) of rain by Friday. Additionally, the NHC noted that tropical storm-force winds currently extend 70 miles outward from the center of the storm. Beyond the rainfall, forecasters also warned that “isolated” tornadoes could spawn in Florida.
The NHC has issued a tropical storm watch for the region stretching from the Ochlockonee River, Florida, westward to the Jefferson/Plaquemines Parish border in Louisiana. Officials are particularly concerned about storm surges, which are expected to reach between 1 and 4 feet along parts of the Louisiana and Mississippi coastlines. The NHC further warns that flash flooding could occur in urban areas.
Emergency Response
The arrival of the storm coincides with sweltering summer heat across the US south. In New Orleans, local authorities have begun distributing sandbags to residents to help stave off potential flood waters. Officials have also requested that residents ensure local storm drains are kept clear to mitigate the risk of flash flooding. The National Hurricane Center advises residents in the affected areas to prepare for high winds, heavy rainfall, and a life-threatening storm surge due to the approaching storm.
ルイジアナ州およびミシシッピ州での警戒態勢
当局は、特にルイジアナ州とミシシッピ州の沿岸部において、1フィートから4フィートの「命に関わる高潮（life-threatening storm surge）」が発生するリスクを強調しています。
- フロリダ州オクロコニー川から西側
- ルイジアナ州ジェファーソン郡およびプラークミン郡の境界線まで
今週の予報と嵐の推移
Sources: bbc.co.uk, Onenewspage.