Tropical Storm Bertha Stalls in Gulf, Wind Shear Limits Development
Tropical Storm Bertha is currently positioned approximately 120 nautical miles south of Panama City, Florida, and is nearly stationary, according to the National Hurricane Center. The storm's maximum sustained winds are reported at 50 knots (about 60 mph), with gusts reaching up to 60 knots, and a minimum central pressure of 995 mb.
Bertha is encountering strong northeasterly wind shear, which is inhibiting its development despite the expansion of its wind field. The storm is expected to move slowly in a west-northwest or westward direction, with a potential for slight strengthening before weakening to a tropical depression as it approaches landfall near Louisiana later this week.
The National Weather Service has indicated that heavy rainfall and storm surge threats are present, though the persistent wind shear is keeping most of the heavy rainfall offshore. Localized rainbands could bring over one inch of rain to parts of the Gulf Coast, but the overall risk remains marginal.
Sea conditions in the eastern semicircle of the storm are reported to have peak heights of about 13 feet, contributing to heavy surf and rip currents along the Gulf Coast.