Tropical Depression Two becomes Tropical Storm Bertha

Tropical Depression Two has been upgraded to Tropical Storm Bertha, state officials said. The updated forecast shows Bertha moving westward and possibly making landfall in Louisiana, officials said. The system is expected to cause a storm surge of 2 to 4 feet along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Mississippi officials said the state is in contact with local emergency managers and coastal counties have begun preparing. Resources will be deployed as requested, they said. At this time, officials said no resource requests have been received and there are no unmet needs.

A tropical storm is a tropical cyclone with sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph and can produce dangerous storm surge, heavy rainfall and coastal flooding. Even a relatively modest storm surge of 2 to 4 feet can inundate low-lying areas, damage property and make travel hazardous along barrier islands and coastal roads.

Residents along the Gulf Coast are urged to stay weather aware and follow guidance from local authorities. We will provide more information as it becomes available.