Hurricane Local Statement

193
WTUS84 KHGX 232115
HLSHGX
TXZ163-164-176>179-195>200-210>214-226-227-235>238-300-313-335>338-436>439-240515-

Tropical Storm Bertha Local Statement Advisory Number 18
National Weather Service Houston/Galveston TX  AL022026
415 PM CDT Thu Jul 23 2026

This product covers Southeast Texas

**Bertha expected to weaken as it moves through Southeast Texas** 

NEW INFORMATION
---------------

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Bolivar Peninsula, 
      Brazoria Islands, Chambers, Coastal Brazoria, Coastal 
      Galveston, and Galveston Island

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 40 miles north of Galveston TX
    - 29.8N 94.7W
    - Storm Intensity 40 mph
    - Movement West-northwest or 290 degrees at 13 mph

SITUATION OVERVIEW
------------------

Tropical Storm Bertha is currently moving westward through southeast 
Texas, roughtly around the I-10 corridor nearly Galveston bay. It's 
intensity has decreased, with peak winds upwards of 35 knots. Bertha 
will continue to weaken, becoming a post-tropical system as it moves 
westward tonight. No significant impacts to Southeast Texas are 
expected at this time. Winds of 15-25 knots with gusts to 35 knots will
be possible, mainly along the coast and Gulf waters. Scattered showers
and thunderstorms continue this evening. Heavy downpours are possible 
though the flooding rain threat is very low. A high risk rip currents 
will continue across the beaches and coast through Friday.

POTENTIAL IMPACTS
-----------------

* WIND:
Potential impacts from the main wind event are now unfolding across 
Southeast Texas. Remain well sheltered from hazardous wind having 
possible 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.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Potential impacts from the flooding rain are still unfolding across 
the Southeast Texas coast. Remain well guarded against locally 
hazardous flood waters having possible  limited 
impacts. If realized, these impacts include:
    - Localized rainfall flooding may prompt a few evacuations.
    - Rivers and tributaries may quickly rise with swifter currents. 
      Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches may become swollen 
      and overflow in spots.
    - Flood waters can enter a few structures, especially in usually 
      vulnerable spots. A few places where rapid ponding of water 
      occurs at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage 
      areas. Several storm drains and retention ponds become 
      near-full and begin to overflow. Some brief road and bridge 
      closures. 

Elsewhere across Southeast Texas, little to no impact is anticipated.

* OTHER COASTAL HAZARDS:
There will be a high risk of rip currents across the upper Texas 
coastal beaches through Friday.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS
----------------------------------

* EVACUATIONS:
Follow the advice of local officials.


* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:

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 Houston/Galveston TX around 7 PM CDT, or sooner if 
conditions warrant.