The storm strengthened Monday night after hurricane hunter aircraft data confirmed that Tropical Depression Two had officially become Tropical Storm Bertha, the second named storm of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season. Where Is Tropical Storm Bertha Headed? Forecasters expect Bertha to remain close to the northern Gulf Coast as it gradually drifts westward. Storm Surge and Flooding ThreatA storm surge watch was replaced with a coastal flood warning Tuesday with minor to moderate coastal flooding still expected to occur between the Mississippi-Alabama border and the mouth of the Mississippi River. Tropical storm watches remain posted for parts of the Florida Panhandle, metropolitan New Orleans and additional sections of the Louisiana coast.