4:24 PM ET 2 Min Ago
Louisiana Governor says state has prepared for Bertha from the start
Tropical Storm Bertha has arrived in Louisiana, and Gov. Jeff Landry emphasized during a Wednesday press conference that the state had extensively prepared for the storm, even if it’s impacts end up being less severe than initially feared.
“It doesn’t take a major hurricane to do major damage in communities in Louisiana,” Gov. Landry said. “So today’s forecast is encouraging, but it doesn’t mean we should be complacent.”
He urged residents in flood-prone areas to take the necessary precautions, have an emergency plan and heed any warnings issued by officials.
Gov. Landry urged residents to visit GetAGamePlan.org to prepare for Tropical Storm Bertha and future storms that could threaten Louisiana.
Gov. Jeff Landry said state officials have been working for days with the City of New Orleans since Sunday, including the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans, to prepare for Bertha in case the storm became more severe than forecast.
Gov. Jeff Landry said 30,000 sandbags have been distributed across Orleans Parish, while more than 90% of the area’s major drainage pumps are operational and available for use, in addition to a number of other precautions.
“That’s exactly how government should operate. Preparing for a storm, before the storm gets there, and not having to react once danger is upon us,” Gov. Landry said.
3:41 PM ET 45 Min Ago
Bryan Norcross breaks down what’s next for Bertha following landfall
Tropical Storm Bertha has officially become the first storm to make landfall of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, coming ashore in St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana, at 2 p.m. CT on July 22.
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What’s next for the storm? FOX Weather Hurricane Specialist Bryan Norcross has everything you need to know about Tropical Storm Bertha.
3:15 PM ET 1 HR Ago
By the numbers: Bertha’s rare July landfall in Louisiana
Tropical Storm Bertha’s landfall in St. Bernard Parish isn’t just news for coastal residents—it also adds a rare entry to the meteorological record books.
Bertha marks the first named storm to make landfall in Louisiana since Hurricane Francine struck in September 2024.
More notably, it is only the 10th tropical cyclone to make landfall in the Pelican State during the month of July since reliable records began in 1850.
3:03 PM ET 1 HR AgoBreaking News
Pinned
Bertha makes landfall in Louisiana as a tropical storm
Tropical Storm Bertha has officially made landfall in St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana.
Satellite imagery confirms the center of circulation crossed the coastline near the Biloxi Wildlife Management Area with maximum sustained winds estimated at 45 mph and higher gusts.
Although the storm’s center is now over land, tropical storm hazards—including heavy rain squalls, dangerous gusty winds, and coastal flooding—continue to impact southeastern Louisiana and surrounding northern Gulf Coast communities as Bertha tracks inland.
2:46 PM ET 1 HR Ago
Tropical Storm Bertha making landfall in Louisiana
Tropical Storm Bertha is pushing ashore, with its center and strongest onshore rain squalls already battering coastal communities as the storm completes its transition from sea to land.
The FOX Forecast Center is tracking the center as it moves inland over Louisiana now.
In meteorology, a tropical cyclone makes “landfall” at the precise moment the exact surface center of its circulation crosses the coastline.
Fortunately, most of Bertha’s worst weather is actually displaced some 200 miles away from the center, sparing Louisiana from the most significant wind and rain.
2:37 PM ET 1 HR Ago
Analysis: Bryan Norcross breaks down Bertha as landfall nears
With Tropical Storm Bertha closing in on the northern Gulf Coast, FOX Weather Hurricane Specialist Bryan Norcross provides an exclusive breakdown of what communities in the storm’s path should expect as landfall nears.
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2:36 PM ET 1 HR Ago
Bridge damaged in Beans Mill as Flash Flood Emergency grips West Virginia
A Flash Flood Emergency in West Virginia has left a bridge in Beans Mill severely damaged as torrential downpours continue to inundate the region.
Raging floodwaters overwhelmed local creeks and infrastructure, washing out roadway supports and creating dangerous travel conditions for local residents.
Emergency management teams are monitoring the structure and advising everyone in the area to avoid flooded routes, watch for road closures, and never attempt to cross damaged bridges or standing water.
2:20 PM ET 2 HRS Ago
Dangerous flash flooding threatens southern Virginia and North Carolina
A dangerous flash flood threat is escalating this afternoon as heavy rain and scattered thunderstorms rapidly increase in coverage across southern Virginia and expand deep into North Carolina.
Atmospheric moisture combining with a slow-moving front is fueling torrential downpours capable of dropping several inches of rain per hour over soils already saturated from recent storms.
This intense runoff could quickly overwhelm storm drainage systems, cause creeks and streams to overflow, and create life-threatening street flooding through the evening hours.
Drivers are strongly urged to turn around if they encounter flooded roadways, and residents living in flood-prone or low-lying areas should remain vigilant and have multiple ways to receive warnings as conditions deteriorate.
1:48 PM ET 2 HRS Ago
Forecast models hint at Bertha re-intensifying ahead of Texas landfall
While Tropical Storm Bertha has spent much of the day looking ragged under heavy wind shear, latest computer forecast models suggest the storm may not be entirely done yet.
As Bertha tracks westward across the northwestern Gulf, guidance indicates the system could find a brief window to re-organize and slightly intensify before making landfall along the upper Texas coast.
If Bertha manages to consolidate over open water ahead of its arrival, wind gusts up to 60 mph could be possible along the Texas Gulf Coast by Thursday afternoon.
Beyond the wind threat, residents along the middle and upper Texas shoreline should prepare for high surf, a heightened risk of dangerous rip currents, and localized flash flooding as outer rain bands begin pushing inland.
Coastal communities are advised to monitor local updates closely as the timing and final intensity of Bertha’s landfall come into sharper focus.
1:41 PM ET 2 HRS AgoBreaking News
Warnings drop in Florida as Texas remains under watch
The National Hurricane Center has adjusted its coastal alerts as Tropical Storm Bertha creeps farther west along the northern Gulf Coast.
The Tropical Storm Warning has been officially discontinued east of the Alabama/Florida border, allowing Florida Panhandle communities to clear their warnings as conditions improve overhead.
Tropical Storm Warning: Remains active from the Alabama/Florida border westward to Morgan City, Louisiana, as well as Metropolitan New Orleans and Lake Pontchartrain.
Tropical Storm Watch: Covers areas west of Morgan City, Louisiana, all the way to Sargent, Texas, along with Lake Maurepas.
1:38 PM ET 2 HRS AgoBreaking News
2 p.m. Advisory: Center now 60 miles east of New Orleans with 45 mph winds
The National Hurricane Center has released its 2 p.m. ET (1 p.m. CDT) advisory, showing the center of Tropical Storm Bertha approaching the coast of southeastern Louisiana.
Bertha is currently located about 60 miles east of New Orleans and 35 miles south-southwest of Biloxi, Mississippi, creeping west-northwest at 7 mph.
Maximum sustained winds have decreased slightly to 45 mph, with a minimum central pressure of 1000 mb.
Despite a somewhat ragged appearance due to ongoing wind shear, tropical storm conditions—including heavy squalls, gusty winds, and elevated water levels—continue to spread westward within the warning area across the northern Gulf Coast today.
1:37 PM ET 2 HRS AgoBreaking News
National Hurricane Center releases 2 p.m. ET advisory on Bertha
The National Hurricane Center has officially issued its 2 p.m. ET intermediate advisory on Tropical Storm Bertha, and meteorologists at the FOX Forecast Center are currently digesting the freshly released numbers.
1:28 PM ET 2 HRS Ago
Awaiting the 2 p.m. ET advisory: Will Bertha keep weakening?
All eyes remain on the National Hurricane Center as forecasters prepare to release the upcoming 2 p.m. ET (1 p.m. CDT) intermediate advisory on Tropical Storm Bertha.
Meteorologists will be looking closely at the latest radar and satellite trends to evaluate whether persistent wind shear is continuing to strip the storm apart or if the center is holding steady as it crawls west-northwest along the Gulf Coast.
Stay tuned as the FOX Forecast Center breaks down the 2 p.m. position check, updated wind data, and localized flood threats for Louisiana and upper Texas.
1:19 PM ET 3 HRS Ago
Center of Bertha is starting to move onshore in Louisiana
Tropical Storm Bertha is making its presence known as it tracks westward along the Gulf Coast, edging closer to the Louisiana shoreline.
As Bertha crawls west-northwest at around 5 mph, peak sustained winds are hovering near 60 mph. Dry air and moderate wind shear are keeping the system asymmetrical.
12:36 PM ET 3 HRS Ago
Bertha lashes Dauphin Island, Alabama with coastal flooding
Conditions are rapidly deteriorating along the northern Gulf Coast as outer rain bands from Tropical Storm Bertha bring heavy squalls, rough surf, and localized coastal flooding.
Reporting live from Dauphin Island, Alabama, FOX Weather Senior Correspondent Robert Ray captures the surging waves and gusty winds actively battering the shoreline as the system moves westward.
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12:16 PM ET 4 HRS AgoBreaking News
West Virginia National Guard expands deployment following severe flooding
The West Virginia National Guard is expanding its emergency response across the state after severe, slow-moving storms triggered widespread flash flooding and water rescues.
Additional Guard personnel and swiftwater rescue assets are deploying to support ongoing recovery operations, clear debris, and assist local first responders in the hardest-hit communities.
12:15 PM ET 4 HRS AgoDeveloping Story
More than 3,000 flights disrupted today as airlines fight severe weather backlog
The air travel nightmare is spilling into another day as airlines struggle to recover from Tuesday’s massive severe weather outbreak.
After more than 10,000 flights were disrupted yesterday across the country, operational hangovers are pushing today’s numbers higher by the hour: more than 3,000 flights have already been disrupted so far today, including over 530 outright cancellations and 2,560+ delays.
The compounding issues stem from displaced aircraft and flight crews stuck out of position following multi-hour ground stops and diversions across major East Coast and Midwest hubs.
Major carriers—including Delta, United, American, and JetBlue—have issued rebooking travel waivers for impacted airports.
If you have plans to fly today, stay vigilant: monitor your flight status in your airline’s mobile app before heading to the terminal, and be prepared for potential ripple-effect delays throughout the evening.
12:12 PM ET 4 HRS AgoDeveloping Story
More than 25,000 without power in West Virginia as storm recovery gets underway
Utility crews are working around the clock across West Virginia as more than 25,000 customers remain without power following Tuesday’s severe weather outbreak.
A onslaught of torrential downpours, severe wind gusts, and localized microbursts knocked down trees and snapped power lines, leaving widespread disruptions throughout the state.
Doddridge County has been hit hardest by the outages, with nearly half the county left in the dark. Power companies and emergency management crews have deployed mutual aid teams to restore critical infrastructure, but rugged terrain and downed debris are complicating repair efforts.
12:08 PM ET 4 HRS Ago
Emergency crews perform swiftwater rescues in Tennessee
First responders in Giles County, Tennessee are facing an active emergency following severe weather and rapidly rising waters.
Members of the Giles County Fire & Rescue (GCFR) swiftwater team, alongside assistance from the Giles County Sheriff’s Department, successfully rescued four people who were trapped in their homes overnight by encroaching floodwaters.
All four individuals were safely evaluated on the scene by Giles County EMS.
Emergency operations remain ongoing this morning. GCFR and additional emergency agencies are currently responding to a critical call involving a vehicle trapped in deep floodwaters with a driver inside in the Old Campbellsville Road area.
Officials are urging all residents to avoid the vicinity to allow first responders clear access, watch for emergency vehicles on local routes, and remember to never drive into standing water.
12:04 PM ET 4 HRS Ago
Bertha looking ragged: Why Bertha may not survive another day as a tropical storm
Tropical Storm Bertha is looking increasingly ragged on satellite images today, battling relentless wind shear that continues to strip its core apart.
With its low-level center largely exposed and deep convection pushed well offshore, the FOX Forecast Center warns that Bertha could weaken to a tropical depression—or even decay into a remnant low—within the next 24 hours.
While Bertha’s days as a named tropical cyclone may be numbered, the system isn’t completely done yet.
Regardless of whether Bertha maintains its official tropical status or degenerates into a post-tropical low, its broad, moisture-laden circulation will continue to drag heavy rain squalls, gusty winds, and elevated coastal water levels west toward Louisiana and the upper Texas coast.
11:40 AM ET 4 HRS Ago
Monitoring Bertha for a potential center reformation
We are actively tracking Tropical Storm Bertha in real time as persistent wind shear keeps the system highly disorganized, displacing its heavy thunderstorm cluster far to the south and west of the exposed surface center.
The FOX Forecast Center is closely monitoring satellite data today to see if a secondary, stronger center of circulation attempts to reform beneath that massive burst of storms over open Gulf waters.
A center reformation farther south would directly impact Bertha’s track and timeline, potentially shifting future rain and wind hazards along the Louisiana and upper Texas coastlines.
11:33 AM ET 4 HRS Ago
Terrifying video shows mother and daughter trapped by rapid flash floodwaters
Video shows the terrifying speed of severe flash flooding as rapidly rising waters engulfed a neighborhood, leaving a mother and her daughter stranded amidst a local Flash Flood Emergency.
11:31 AM ET 4 HRS Ago
Bryan Norcross breaks down Bertha’s lopsided structure and Gulf trajectory
In his latest exclusive analysis, FOX Weather Hurricane Specialist Bryan Norcross breaks down the atmospheric forces steering Tropical Storm Bertha across the Gulf of America.
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11:09 AM ET 5 HRS Ago
Upper-level analysis reveals why Bertha is so lopsided
If you have looked at satellite imagery of Tropical Storm Bertha, you might have noticed its unusually lopsided and stretched-out appearance. Instead of a classic, symmetrical spiral, the storm’s heaviest shower and thunderstorm activity is displaced far to the south and west, leaving the surface center of circulation largely exposed to the north.
Tropical cyclones rely on vertical alignment to trap heat and strengthen, but strong northeasterly wind shear—differing wind speeds and directions at various altitudes—is actively ripping Bertha’s upper-level thunderstorm towers away from its low-level pressure core.
This hostile atmospheric environment also pulls dry air directly into the circulation, preventing deep thunderstorms from re-establishing around the storm’s center.
While this asymmetrical structure caps Bertha’s ability to intensify into a stronger system, it spreads impacts unevenly across the region.
Heavy rain squalls, coastal flooding, and gusty winds remain displaced far from the official tracking marker, meaning coastal communities well south and west of the storm’s center will still experience squally conditions as Bertha crawls westward along the Gulf Coast.
10:57 AM ET 5 HRS Ago
Exposed center and strong shear: Inside Bertha’s latest forecast track and intensity
Tropical Storm Bertha is showing visible signs of strain this morning, as strong deep-layer wind shear pushes the storm’s thunderstorm activity well to the southwest, leaving the surface center largely exposed.
Despite this ragged satellite appearance, hurricane hunter aircraft from NOAA and the Air Force Reserve confirm that Bertha’s central pressure remains relatively stable, holding maximum sustained winds at around 45 kt (50 mph).
Bertha’s center has nudged slightly farther north than initially predicted, currently moving west-northwest at around 5 mph.
National Hurricane Center experts note that short-term wobbles and deviations are common when a storm is heavily impacted by wind shear.
Track models remain firm that Bertha will resume a broader westward motion later today, causing the center to straddle the southeastern Louisiana coastline through Thursday before reaching the upper Texas coast by Thursday evening or night.
The primary question facing forecasters now is how rapidly Bertha will weaken as it moves along the coast. The storm faces a double-whammy of negative factors:
Hostile wind shear: Persistent northeasterly shear continues to strip away deep convection
Land interaction: Friction from moving near and over the low-lying Louisiana shoreline will gradually disrupt the storm’s circulation
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The official forecast keeps Bertha as a minimal tropical storm through the next 36 hours up to a potential Texas landfall.
However, given the hostile atmospheric environment, it remains very possible that Bertha weakens into a tropical depression or a remnant low sooner than expected, potentially dissipating over land within 48 hours.
Regardless of its exact classification, coastal areas along Louisiana and Texas should prepare for localized heavy rain and gusty squalls along the path.
10:53 AM ET 5 HRS Ago
11 a.m. Advisory: Tropical Storm Bertha holds at 50 mph as it crawls toward Louisiana
The National Hurricane Center has officially released its 11 a.m. advisory on Tropical Storm Bertha, showing the system continuing its slow crawl along the northern Gulf Coast.
Bertha’s center is currently located about 40 miles south of Pascagoula, Mississippi, pushing west-northwest at 6 mph.
The storm’s maximum sustained winds hold at 50 mph, with a minimum central pressure estimated at 998 mb.
On this track, Bertha will continue moving near or along the southeastern Louisiana shoreline through the afternoon, bringing heavy rain squalls, gusty winds, and coastal flooding hazards as meteorologists monitor whether a secondary center attempts to reform farther south in the Gulf.
10:52 AM ET 5 HRS Ago
NHC releases critical 11 a.m. advisory as Bertha nears Louisiana coast
The National Hurricane Center has just released its crucial 11 a.m. ET advisory on Tropical Storm Bertha, and meteorologists at the FOX Forecast Center are currently breaking down the latest data.
Keep watching for updates and analyze from the full advisory, updated watch/warning zones, and what this means for the immediate Louisiana landfall timing and future Texas impacts.
10:34 AM ET 5 HRS Ago
Airlines face big backlog: Over 2,400 flights disrupted today
Airlines are in full recovery mode this morning after severe Tuesday storms triggered massive air travel chaos across the country.
While weather conditions are improving in many areas, the operational hangover is proving steep: more than 500 flights have already been canceled today, with another 1,891 flights delayed across major airport hubs.
The compounding delays stem from displaced flight crews and aircraft out of position following thousands of ground stops and diversions during Tuesday’s storm outbreak.
Travelers heading to the airport are strongly encouraged to monitor their flight status closely, check for active weather travel waivers with their carrier, and prepare for potential ripple-effect delays throughout the day.
10:29 AM ET 5 HRS Ago
Awaiting the 11 a.m. ET advisory: Big decisions ahead for Bertha
Forecasters and Gulf Coast residents are eagerly awaiting the National Hurricane Center’s full 11 a.m. ET (10 a.m. CDT) advisory for critical updates on Tropical Storm Bertha’s path and intensity.
Meteorologists will be scrutinizing satellite and hurricane hunter data to see if Bertha’s original low-level center is beginning to weaken over southeastern Louisiana, or if a secondary circulation center is forming offshore under a cluster of intense storms in the Gulf.
The upcoming forecast track and discussion will answer key questions: whether the NHC shifts its forecast cone noticeably farther south toward the Texas coastline, and if updated warnings will extend deeper into the western Gulf ahead of Thursday.
9:53 AM ET 6 HRS Ago
Analysis: Bryan Norcross breaks down Bertha’s uncertain future
Tropical Storm Bertha will soon make landfall on the east-facing coast of southeastern Louisiana.
Gusty winds are impacting the Gulf Coast from Alabama to Louisiana, but so much dry air is pushing in from the north that the rain associated with the circulation is relatively light.
Winds on the backside of the circulation are pushing Gulf water toward the coast.
Tides have been running 2 to 3 feet above normal, resulting in some limited coastal flooding around high tide.
Once the Bertha’s broad center makes landfall, the circulation is likely to get sufficiently disrupted that the tropical system essentially dissipates.
But the cluster of thunderstorms south of Louisiana over the very warm Gulf water is quite intense.
It’s not out of the question that a new center forms from that compact system, and the new circulation and the remnants of Bertha continue west toward Texas.
– FOX Weather Hurricane Specialist Bryan Norcross
There might be a time that there, technically speaking, is no surface circulation to follow, but it’s likely this will all be called Bertha.
In any case, the consensus of the computer forecast models that pick up on the redeveloped center is that Bertha, or whatever becomes of it, will be at most a low-end tropical storm when it reaches Texas late tomorrow. That’s also the forecast from the National Hurricane Center.
Exactly what shape the system will be in tomorrow and Friday is an open question.
Coastal interests in Texas between Corpus Christi and Galveston should stay aware. Winds gusting to tropical storm strength are increasingly likely.
The NHC has issued a Tropical Storm Watch to cover that possibility.
The HAFS-A computer model, a special hurricane-focused model, shows an area of winds gusting over 50 mph impacting the coast between Port Lavaca and Galveston.
It also shows an elongated circulation, so the system is not very well organized.
The environment will continue to be somewhat hostile to development tomorrow, and the redeveloped system won’t have much time to pull itself together, so it’s unlikely that a strong storm would impact Texas based on what we know now.
But systems can flare up quickly due to the curvature of the Texas coast and the very warm Gulf water, so stay aware of the latest alerts in the potentially affected areas.
If this comes together as now seems possible, essentially a new storm will be organizing just off the Texas coast tomorrow and making landfall. Don’t be surprised.
9:49 AM ET 6 HRS Ago
New Orleans on alert as Bertha tracks through the Gulf
Metropolitan New Orleans remains under a Tropical Storm Warning as Tropical Storm Bertha continues to barrel westward through the Gulf of America.
FOX Weather Meteorologist Marissa Torres notes that while outer cloud cover and increasing winds are offering welcome relief from extreme heat, conditions are expected to deteriorate.
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9:44 AM ET 6 HRS Ago
Top wind gusts from Tropical Storm Bertha top 57 mph
As Tropical Storm Bertha’s outer rain bands continue to sweep across the northern Gulf Coast, strong winds are already battering coastal communities.
Florida’s Panhandle has borne the brunt of the highest wind gusts so far, with peak gusts reaching 57 mph at both Alligator Point and Panama City Beach.
9:20 AM ET 7 HRS Ago
Flash flooding triggers partial bridge collapse in Maryland
Severe thunderstorms and heavy floodwaters triggered a partial bridge collapse along northbound Woodfield Road near Brink Road in Gaithersburg, Maryland, on Tuesday evening.
The rushing water eroded portions of the roadway structure around 8 p.m. ET, forcing emergency management and transportation crews to shut down the impacted stretch as inspectors arrived to evaluate the damage.
While no injuries were reported, state road officials deployed electronic message signs to detour traffic around the damaged infrastructure while crews worked to stabilize and assess the site.
9:09 AM ET 7 HRS Ago
Strong winds, roaring waves batter Dauphin Island as Bertha moves along Gulf Coast
Outer bands from Tropical Storm Bertha continue to lash coastal communities as the system creeps westward along the northern Gulf Coast.
On Dauphin Island, Alabama, FOX Weather Senior Correspondent Robert Ray captured footage of powerful wind gusts and pounding, roaring waves churning along the shoreline.
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9:04 AM ET 7 HRS Ago
Flash flooding triggers water rescues in Nashville
First responders with the Nashville Fire Department remained on high alert overnight as severe thunderstorms swept through Middle Tennessee, bringing heavy rain and localized flash flooding.
Emergency crews deployed to handle storm-related calls, water rescues, and dangerous conditions across the Metro area.
9:03 AM ET 7 HRS Ago
Incredible images show severe flood damage along Interstate 79 in West Virginia
Incredible images captured by photographer Jason Adams reveal the sheer scale of flood damage along Interstate 79 near Exit 105 in West Virginia.
Relentless, torrential downpours triggered high-water washouts and significant mudslides, covering lanes in debris and swallowing sections of the roadway.
The destructive flooding forced highway officials to close portions of the interstate as emergency crews and transportation teams work to clear structural hazards and assess road damage following the severe storm outbreak.
8:52 AM ET 7 HRS Ago
Flash flood threat ramps up across southern Virginia and North Carolina
The threat of flash flooding is ramping up this morning across southern Virginia and North Carolina as showers and thunderstorms expand in coverage.
Atmospheric moisture combining with a slow-moving cold front is fueling torrential downpours capable of producing several inches of rain in a short window.
As rain rates accelerate over already saturated ground, runoff is beginning to flood low-lying roadways, urban areas, and small streams across the region.
Drivers are urged to exercise extreme caution on morning commutes, as fast-rising waters could turn dangerous with little advance warning.
Click here to track the storms using our Interactive Radar.
8:48 AM ET 7 HRS Ago
Outer rain bands from Bertha lash Pensacola Beach and Gulf Coast
Outer rain bands from Tropical Storm Bertha are sweeping across the Florida Panhandle, bringing squally weather, gusty winds, and torrential downpours to Pensacola Beach.
Pounding surf and dangerous rip currents have forced double red flags along coastal beaches as the storm’s eastern edge continues to pump moisture onshore.
8:42 AM ET 7 HRS Ago
Analysis: Bryan Norcross breaks down Bertha’s unique Louisiana landfall and Texas future
FOX Weather Hurricane Specialist Bryan Norcross breaks down why Tropical Storm Bertha is setting up for an unusual landfall along the Louisiana coast this afternoon.
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8:40 AM ET 7 HRS Ago
Inside the science of NWS damage surveys and EF Scale ratings
When severe weather leaves a trail of destruction, National Weather Service (NWS) survey teams deploy to the field to analyze the aftermath and determine whether a tornado or straight-line winds were responsible.
Meteorologists inspect the direction of the debris—looking for a scattered, convergent pattern that indicates rotation rather than trees and structures blown down in a single uniform direction.
To determine the storm’s strength on the Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale, surveyors evaluate 28 specific “Damage Indicators”—ranging from single-family homes and commercial buildings to trees and power poles—and match the observed destruction to specific “Degrees of Damage”.
By factoring in structural engineering quality, anchoring, and material construction, forecasters can estimate maximum wind speeds (from EF-0 to EF-5) and establish the tornado’s official path length and width.
8:35 AM ET 7 HRS Ago
National Weather Service deploys damage survey teams following severe storm outbreak
National Weather Service meteorologists from the Mount Holly forecast office are heading into the field to survey damage locations left behind by Tuesday’s severe weather outbreak.
Survey teams will assess impacted areas across the region to determine whether tornado touchdowns or destructive straight-line winds were responsible for structural damage, downed trees, and power outages.
The NWS plans to compile its findings and issue an official preliminary survey report via Public Information Statement by this evening.
8:33 AM ET 7 HRS Ago
Ominous storm clouds loom over New Jersey amid tornado reports
Ominous dark clouds hovered over Fairfield, New Jersey, on Tuesday afternoon as severe thunderstorms swept across the northern part of the state.
The intense storm system prompted at least two tornado reports in the region, leaving residents on high alert as dark, turbulent skies moved through Essex County.
8:31 AM ET 7 HRS Ago
Analysis: Could Bertha briefly reach hurricane strength?
While Tropical Storm Bertha continues to show signs of weakening as it approaches Louisiana, there is a small window for brief re-intensification if the storm’s center successfully reforms over open Gulf waters.
Should a secondary center organize offshore this afternoon, the storm could tap into warm Gulf waters for a short burst of strengthening before taking aim at the Texas coast.
However, FOX Weather meteorologists emphasize that Bertha will not make landfall as a hurricane; hostile atmospheric conditions, including strong vertical wind shear and dry air, are expected to take over, forcing the system to weaken once again on its journey westward.
8:23 AM ET 8 HRS Ago
Timing Bertha’s arrival: Landfall expected along Louisiana coast
Tropical Storm Bertha is creeping westward toward the northern Gulf Coast, with landfall expected along the Louisiana shoreline this afternoon.
Current projections from the FOX Forecast Center place the initial arrival window between 2 and 5 p.m. ET as the storm’s circulation center approaches the marshy coast south of New Orleans.
However, because the system continues to crawl at around 5 mph, any brief slowdown or shift could push official landfall closer to the late afternoon or early evening hours.
Determining the exact moment and location of landfall may prove tricky for forecasters. The low-lying geography of southeastern Louisiana—dominated by extensive barrier islands, open bays, and coastal marshes—means Bertha’s center may scrape over water and marsh for hours without crossing a defined mainland coastline.
As a result, the National Hurricane Center may not declare a traditional, official “landfall” even as tropical-storm-force winds and squalls spread directly across the region.
8:21 AM ET 8 HRS Ago
Analysis: Complex landfall forecast complicates Tropical Storm Bertha’s path
Forecasters at the FOX Forecast Center are tracking a highly complex, evolving scenario with Tropical Storm Bertha as it approaches the Louisiana coast.
The main wildcard in Bertha’s future relies on dynamic tropical re-organization. Key hurricane computer models suggest the original circulation center may push inland over Louisiana while a brand-new center attempts to reform offshore underneath a dense cluster of storms in the Gulf of America.
If this secondary center successfully forms, it would significantly alter the forecast track, potentially shifting the National Hurricane Center’s forecast cone noticeably farther south and elevating intensity expectations as the storm tracks toward the Texas coast on Thursday, with areas from Matagorda Bay down to Corpus Christi coming into focus.
Meteorologists will be watching closely through late morning to determine whether the original storm structure holds or if this new offshore circulation begins to take over.
The National Hurricane Center highlighted this potential outcome this morning, and all eyes remain on upcoming advisory updates to see if a southern shift in the track takes hold.
The next advisory from the National Hurricane Center will be at 11 a.m. ET.
7:52 AM ET 8 HRS Ago
Tropical Storm Watches extended into Texas
The National Hurricane Center has extended Tropical Storm Watches farther west to Sargent, Texas.
Tropical Storm Warnings remain active from Florida’s Okaloosa/Walton County line through Morgan City, Louisiana—including Lake Pontchartrain and New Orleans—as the storm tracks along the northern Gulf Coast over the next couple of days before gradual weakening takes hold.
7:50 AM ET 8 HRS Ago
8 am advisory: Tropical Storm Bertha targets Gulf Coast with 50 mph winds
The National Hurricane Center has issued its 8 a.m. ET advisory for Tropical Storm Bertha, as the system crawls westward at 5 mph.
Located about 45 miles northeast of the mouth of the Mississippi River, Bertha maintains maximum sustained winds near 50 mph with tropical-storm-force winds extending up to 105 miles from its center.
7:47 AM ET 8 HRS Ago
Airlines scramble to recover following 10,000 flight disruptions from Tuesday’s storms
Airlines are facing a massive catch-up effort following a day of intense travel chaos sparked by Tuesday’s severe weather.
Powerful storm systems across the country triggered more than 10,000 flight disruptions—combining delays and outright cancellations—that left thousands of passengers stranded at major aviation hubs.
The hangover from Tuesday’s ground stops and severe weather continues to ripple through airport schedules this morning, with airlines already logging over 500 cancellations and more than 900 additional delays as crews and aircraft work to get back into position.
7:44 AM ET 8 HRS Ago
Significant flash flood threat shifts into Carolinas and Virginia
The threat of dangerous flash flooding is set to shift farther south and east over the next day or two as a slow-moving front draws in heavy tropical moisture.
Today, a Level 3 out of 4 flash flood risk is positioned over central and eastern Virginia, stretching toward Richmond and coastal sections. FOX Weather meteorologists are especially concerned that relentless rain could trigger significant flash flooding in this area today.
By Thursday, the highest risk (Level 3) pivots directly into central and eastern North Carolina—including Raleigh—where repeated rounds of downpours could lead to rapidly rising waters.
Atlanta to Charlotte and Charleston aren’t out of the woods as slow-moving storms could trigger flash flooding through the end of the week.
7:36 AM ET 8 HRS Ago
Water pours into West Virginia hotel during Flash Flood Emergency
Severe thunderstorms swept across West Virginia, unleashing relentless rain that quickly escalated into a dangerous Flash Flood Emergency across parts of the state.
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The overwhelming deluge inundated local infrastructure, submerging roads and sending fast-rising runoff pouring inside a local hotel as floodwaters breached the building.
With ground already saturated and rivers surging, emergency management officials continue to urge residents and travelers to stay off impacted roadways as additional rounds of heavy rain threaten to worsen conditions across the region.
7:33 AM ET 8 HRS Ago
Rising waters submerge streets in Connecticut following severe storms
Powerful thunderstorms slammed the New York tri-state area on Tuesday, bringing torrential downpours that quickly triggered dangerous flash flooding.
7:32 AM ET 8 HRS Ago
Funnel cloud spotted over New Jersey as severe storms wallop Bergen County
Ominous dark clouds hovered over northern New Jersey on Tuesday as a swirling funnel cloud was captured on video moving across Bergen County.
The dangerous setup prompted the National Weather Service to issue both Tornado Warnings and Flood Warnings as severe thunderstorms battered the state.
7:30 AM ET 8 HRS Ago
Severe storms and dangerous flash flooding shift into Virginia, Carolinas
The severe weather and flood threat is shifting southeast today as a cold front moves through the Mid-Atlantic, bringing widespread showers and a Level 2 out of 5 severe storm threat focused on southern Virginia and North Carolina, where damaging winds remain the primary hazard.
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The primary concern, however, is a dangerous Level 3 out of 4 flood threat as the front stalls over the Carolinas.
By tapping into deep moisture associated with Tropical Storm Bertha, the system will trigger repeated rounds of torrential rain—completely separate from direct tropical impacts—stretching from Raleigh and the Outer Banks south toward Wilmington, NC, and north to Virginia Beach.
Rain totals in these coastal and eastern areas could top 8 inches before the front drifts farther south by the end of the week, offering slight relief to inland regions while keeping flood risks high along the coast.
7:24 AM ET 9 HRS Ago
Tropical Storm Bertha weakens slightly on track toward southeast Louisiana
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A lopsided Tropical Storm Bertha continues its westward crawl across the northern Gulf of America, steered by high pressure over the Rockies toward a expected Wednesday afternoon landfall south of New Orleans.
Though the storm peaked in intensity Tuesday night and continues to slowly weaken, Tropical Storm Warnings remain active from the Florida Panhandle through southeast Louisiana.
The FOX Forecast Center notes that Bertha’s future beyond Louisiana hinges on its circulation; if the system stays intact as it scrapes the coast, it could re-emerge over warm Gulf waters and head toward Texas, but heavy land interaction could cause it to dissipate early.
Because the storm’s most severe weather remains pushed to its south and east, overall impacts are expected to stay relatively limited for inland communities. Still, showers and heavy downpours will pinwheel into coastal and near-shore areas across Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana, delivering 1 to 4 inches of rain with isolated higher totals that could spark localized flash flooding.
Coastal areas in the warning zone can expect wind gusts over 40 mph, with isolated gusts reaching up to 65 mph, while New Orleans is slated for 30 to 40 mph gusts Wednesday night.
Persistent onshore winds are also driving water toward the shoreline, prompting Coastal Flood Warnings along the immediate coast.
Water levels could rise up to 4 feet above normally dry ground in the most vulnerable stretches, particularly between the mouth of the Mississippi River and the Mississippi-Alabama border.
While Bertha is not forecast to deliver a sharp surge spike, the slow-moving nature of the system will keep coastal waters elevated through Thursday.
7:15 AM ET 9 HRS Ago
⏪ Catch up on Tuesday’s severe weather coverage
If you are just catching up on today’s active weather, you can review full coverage, localized storm tracking, and damage reports from Tuesday’s live blog.
Yesterday’s coverage captured the early flash flooding across the Mid-Atlantic and tornadoes that tore through New Jersey.
For minute-by-minute updates from Tuesday, access our complete archived coverage here.