Tropical Storm Bertha is moving toward the Upper Texas coast, but significant impacts are not expected across Southeast Texas. The storm is not very strong, only bringing breezy conditions and a chance for scattered heavy downpours Thursday afternoon and evening.
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about Bertha and its impacts on Houston.
I have a flight Thursday, Friday or Saturday. Will I still be able to take off?
Yes, widespread flight disruptions are not expected because of Tropical Storm Bertha. A passing thunderstorm Thursday afternoon or evening could cause a brief delay at either Bush Intercontinental Airport or Hobby Airport, but prolonged airport closures or widespread cancellations are unlikely. Conditions improve Thursday night, with generally quiet weather expected Friday and Saturday.
Is it safe to go to the beach this weekend?
Conditions at the beach should improve significantly by Friday, with mostly dry weather expected this weekend. However, rough surf and a high risk of rip currents may linger Friday as Bertha passes through the area. Beachgoers should continue checking local flags and advisories, swim near a lifeguard and avoid entering the water when red flags are posted.
What will Houston experience from Tropical Storm Bertha?
Most of the Houston area will experience breezy conditions and scattered thunderstorms Thursday afternoon and evening. Any storm that develops could briefly produce heavy rain and gusty winds, but most neighborhoods will not see severe conditions. The strongest winds are expected near the immediate coast, where gusts of 40 to 45 mph are possible, especially within rain bands.
Is flooding expected?
Widespread flooding is not expected. Rainfall totals should generally remain manageable, and there is no organized flash flood threat. However, tropical downpours can produce very heavy rain over a short period of time, so isolated street flooding or ponding is possible beneath any stronger thunderstorm.
Why is Bertha called a tropical storm if the impacts are not expected to be severe?
A system is classified as a tropical storm when its maximum sustained winds reach at least 39 mph. Bertha has winds strong enough to meet that definition, but the classification does not mean every location in its path will experience tropical-storm-force winds. Bertha is also lopsided, with most of its rain and thunderstorms located south of the center.
Why is Bertha weakening before it reaches Texas?
Bertha is encountering several unfavorable conditions, including dry air, wind shear and interaction with land. Wind shear pushes thunderstorms away from the center, while land interaction cuts the storm off from the warm Gulf water it needs to maintain its strength. These factors are preventing Bertha from becoming better organized as it approaches Southeast Texas.
Could Bertha unexpectedly become much stronger?
Significant strengthening is not expected before Bertha reaches Texas. The storm has only a short time over water, and the surrounding environment is becoming increasingly unfavorable. Bertha is expected to remain weak or gradually weaken before moving inland.
Will Bertha bring cooler weather?
Cloud cover, rain and breezy conditions will keep temperatures lower Thursday than they were Wednesday, when Houston reached 102 degrees. Highs should remain in the low to mid-90s for much of the area, although the humidity will still make it feel hotter. Temperatures begin climbing again this weekend, with highs approaching 100 degrees early next week.
What does Bertha mean for the rest of hurricane season?
Bertha does not tell us much about how active or dangerous the remainder of hurricane season will be. Weak early-season tropical storms do not prevent stronger systems from developing later. The busiest part of the Atlantic hurricane season typically arrives in August and September, so Southeast Texas residents should continue reviewing hurricane plans and checking the forecast regularly.
When will conditions improve?
The greatest chance for rain and gusty winds will be Thursday afternoon and evening. Bertha should weaken quickly after moving inland, with conditions improving Thursday night into Friday morning. Friday through the weekend is expected to be mostly dry and increasingly hot.
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