International News: Tropical Storm Bertha nears Northern U.S. Gulf coast

By Zoila Palma:  Tropical Storm Bertha is moving toward the northern Gulf Coast, where tropical storm watches and warnings remain in effect for parts of the region. As of this morning, the storm was located about 100 miles (165 km) south-southwest of Panama City, Florida, and 175 miles (280 km) southeast of Mobile, Alabama. Bertha was moving northwest at about 5 mph (7 km/h), with a turn toward the west expected by the middle of the week. The storm is packing maximum sustained winds of 50 mph (85 km/h), with higher gusts, and a NOAA Hurricane Hunter aircraft is currently investigating the system. Forecasters say slight strengthening is possible later today, followed by gradual weakening through the middle of the week. Tropical storm conditions are expected along portions of the northern Gulf Coast from late Tuesday through Wednesday, while tropical storm conditions remain possible in parts of the Florida Panhandle and Louisiana. Bertha is also expected to produce storm surge and coastal flooding, with the highest water levels occurring near the immediate coastline. Surge could reach 2 to 4 feet from the mouth of the Mississippi River to the Alabama-Florida border, while areas including parts of Florida, Louisiana and Lake Pontchartrain could see 1 to 3 feet of surge. Residents in affected coastal areas are urged to monitor updates from local National Weather Service offices as conditions develop. The post International News: Tropical Storm Bertha nears Northern U.S. Gulf coast appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.