Tropical Storm Bertha is producing some winds gusting near hurricane force, but they are confined to a robust thunderstorm cell near the center of rotation well offshore of the Florida Panhandle. TROPICAL STORM BERTHA STRENGTHENS, THREATENS GULF COAST WITH HEAVY RAIN, STORM SURGE AND SQUALLSBertha's main effect will be at the coast. The persistent and strong winds on the backside of the circulation will push Gulf water above the normal tide levels. TIMELINE: WHEN YOU WILL SEE FIRST IMPACTS OF TROPICAL STORM BERTHA IN THE SOUTHEASTThere's high confidence that Bertha's center will track west offshore of the western Florida Panhandle and Alabama. Poorly developed systems over the very warm Gulf water can surprise us, so everyone along the Gulf Coast from the Florida Panhandle to Texas should stay aware.