Tight on time? This story is for you. It’s an abbreviated view of what’s happening with Tropical Storm Bertha. Click here for more details.
Tropical Storm Bertha is expected to strengthen July 21, but remain a tropical storm as it moves west-northwest in the Gulf.
➤ Live updates on Tropical Storm Bertha
Some impacts from Bertha are expected in parts of Florida, including gusty winds, heavy rain and dangerous surf.
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Here’s what you should know.
Is there a hurricane coming toward Florida?
No. Bertha is expected to remain a tropical storm before moving ashore later this week along the Gulf Coast.
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Where is Tropical Storm Bertha right now?
Spaghetti models for Tropical Storm Bertha
Where is Tropical Storm Bertha expected to make landfall?
Landfall is a little tough to determine since a couple of different environmental conditions could influence where Bertha is going.
If it “hugs the coast,” landfall could be somewhere along the central Gulf Coast, with most models showing Louisiana.
If it takes a more southerly route across the Gulf, Bertha could strengthen over the warm waters and have a more powerful impact in Texas.
➤ Track Tropical Storm Bertha
How strong is Tropical Storm Bertha?
At 8 a.m. ET July 21, maximum sustained winds were 50 mph. Some slight strengthening is possible.
How big is Tropical Storm Bertha?
Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 80 miles from the center.
Watches, warnings issued for Florida
As of 8 a.m. July 21, tropical storm watches are in effect in Florida, from the Bay/Gulf County line west to the Florida/Alabama border.
What impacts will Tropical Storm Bertha have on Florida?
Expected impacts include:
Do not focus on the cone!
The cone you see from the National Hurricane Center shows a consensus based on models on where the center could be over the next several days.
Impacts can be felt sometimes hundreds of miles from the center of the storm.
What should you do if you live in Florida?
While a major threat isn’t expected in Florida, continue to monitor Tropical Storm Bertha for the latest forecast.
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If you haven’t made preparations for hurricane season, now is the time to do so.
Do you live in a flood zone? If you don’t know your evacuation zone is, here’s how to find out.
Satellite photos, graphics show what to expect from Tropical Storm Bertha
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What’s next?
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Cheryl McCloud is a journalist for the USA TODAY Network-Florida’s service journalism Connect team. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https://tallahassee.com/newsletters.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: In a rush? Quick look at what to know about Tropical Storm Bertha
Reporting by Cheryl McCloud, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Tallahassee Democrat
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Cheryl McCloud, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida | USA TODAY Network
