Hurricane Local Statement
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Tropical Storm Bertha Local Statement Advisory Number 18
National Weather Service Lake Charles LA AL022026
355 PM CDT Thu Jul 23 2026
This product covers Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas
**TROPICAL STORM BERTHA HAS MOVED INLAND INTO SOUTHEASTERN TEXAS.**
NEW INFORMATION
---------------
* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- The Tropical Storm Warning has been cancelled for Lower Iberia,
Lower St. Mary, and Lower Vermilion
* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for East Cameron, Lower
Jefferson, and West Cameron
* STORM INFORMATION:
- About 30 miles northwest of High Island TX or about 80 miles
west of Cameron LA
- 29.8N 94.7W
- Storm Intensity 40 mph
- Movement West-northwest or 290 degrees at 13 mph
SITUATION OVERVIEW
------------------
Tropical Storm Bertha has moved inland over lower Southeast Texas
continuing a weakening trend. Tropical storm warnings have been
discontinued east of the Cameron / Vermilion Parish line as well as
marine south extending south and east of Calcasieu Pass. Tropical
Storm Warnings remain in effect across western Cameron Parish,
Louisiana, and Jefferson County, Texas including Calcasieu and Sabine
Lakes. The remainder of the forecast remains unchanged with 1 to
2 feet of surge possible and most of the heavy rainfall remaining
offshore due to the sheared nature of the convection. Bertha is
expected to weaken into a tropical depression overnight as it
encounters more land interaction moving further into Texas.
POTENTIAL IMPACTS
-----------------
* WIND:
Potential impacts from the main wind event are now unfolding across
Southwest Louisiana / Southeast Texas. Remain well sheltered from hazardous
wind having limited impacts. If realized,
these impacts include:
- Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored
mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about.
- Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or
uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are
shallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown over.
- A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within urban
or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving conditions on
bridges and other elevated roadways.
- Scattered power and communications outages.
Elsewhere across Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas, little to
no impact is anticipated.
* SURGE:
Potential impacts from the main surge event are now unfolding across
Southwest Louisiana / Southeast Texas. Remain well away from locally hazardous
surge having limited impacts. If
realized, these impacts include:
- Localized inundation with storm surge flooding mainly along
immediate shorelines and in low-lying spots, or in areas
farther inland near where higher surge waters move ashore.
- Sections of near-shore roads and parking lots become overspread
with surge water. Driving conditions dangerous in places where
surge water covers the road.
- Moderate beach erosion. Heavy surf also breaching dunes, mainly
in usually vulnerable locations. Strong rip currents.
- Minor to locally moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks,
and piers. A few small craft broken away from moorings.
Elsewhere across Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas, little to
no impact is anticipated.
* FLOODING RAIN:
Little to no impacts are anticipated at this time
across Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas.
* TORNADOES:
Little to no impacts are anticipated at this time
across Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS
----------------------------------
* EVACUATIONS:
Follow the advice of local officials.
* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
Now is the time to stay inside and away from windows. Listen for
updates and be ready in case you lose electrical power. Keep a
battery-powered radio, charged cell phone and flashlight handy.
During the peak of the storm be ready to move quickly. Keep your
shoes on and rain gear handy. Boots and athletic shoes offer the best
foot protection if you become unexpectedly exposed to the weather.
Keep your cell phone charged and in power-saving mode. If you lose
power, use it sparingly and mainly for personal emergencies and
check-ins.
* ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION:
- For information on appropriate preparations see ready.gov
- For information on creating an emergency plan see getagameplan.org
- For additional disaster preparedness information see redcross.org
NEXT UPDATE
-----------
The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather
Service in Lake Charles LA around 10 PM CDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.