Tropical Storm Bertha Approaches
Tropical Storm Bertha formed Monday evening in the Gulf of Mexico. It currently drifts erratically toward populated coastal areas. Consequently, forecasters warn of heavy rain, storm surge, and damaging winds. The center was located south of Panama City in Florida. Maximum sustained winds reached around 40 mph on Monday night. Furthermore, the National Hurricane Center expects some additional strengthening soon. This slow-moving storm will stay near the northern Gulf Coast. Ultimately, it will push west toward Texas later this week.
Coastal Warnings and Flooding Risks
A massive tropical storm warning is currently in active effect. This alert covers western Florida to southeastern Louisiana. Meanwhile, officials posted a storm surge watch along the coast. Life-threatening surges of up to four feet could quickly occur. In addition, the hurricane center warned about potential isolated tornadoes. These specific twisters could hit the Florida Big Bend region. Forecasters also noted that flash flooding remains highly possible. Therefore, emergency officials in Escambia County offered sandbags to local residents.
Hurricane Fausto in the Pacific
Meanwhile, Hurricane Fausto formed in the eastern Pacific Ocean. Fortunately, it currently poses no immediate threat to any land. The system gained official hurricane status late Monday night. It was located southwest of the Baja California peninsula. Fausto packed top sustained winds of roughly 75 mph. Currently, no coastal watches or warnings are in active effect. However, dangerous ocean swells generated by the storm could hit. These waves might cause life-threatening surf and rip tide conditions.
Reference
Hurricane Fausto forms in the eastern Pacific far from Mexico’s Baja peninsula | AP News. (2026, 21 julio). AP News. https://apnews.com/article/gulf-tropical-depression-flooding-c5f0b7264dad58ae7450fdd87436ec09?user_email=bd2c428b35d2f2d999bc6f7e665bad1355a8dd3247b2afc8121729c30cd9a01a&utm_medium=APNews_Alerts&utm_source=Sailthru_AP&utm_campaign=NewsAlert_Jul20_2026_08:07PM&utm_term=AP%20News%20Alerts