Tropical Storm Bertha makes landfall in southeast Louisiana

Tropical Storm Bertha made landfall Tuesday afternoon near the Biloxi Wildlife Management Area in St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana, and is now moving west across southeastern Louisiana.

As of the 4 p.m. CDT advisory from the National Hurricane Center, Bertha was located about 25 miles southeast of New Orleans and about 70 miles southwest of Biloxi. The storm is packing maximum sustained winds of 45 mph and is moving west at 7 mph.

For South Mississippi, the worst of the weather has come to an end. Earlier periods of heavy rain have moved out, and the threat for flooding and severe weather has largely diminished.

However, breezy conditions will continue through tonight, with occasional wind gusts of 25 to 35 mph possible near the coast. Beachgoers and mariners should also be aware that rough surf will remain a concern into Thursday as swells generated by Bertha continue to impact the northern Gulf Coast.

The National Hurricane Center expects Bertha to continue tracking west along the Louisiana coast through Thursday before moving inland across Texas. The storm is forecast to remain at tropical storm strength until reaching the upper Texas coast, where it will gradually weaken and dissipate by late Thursday or Friday.