Tropical Storm Bertha nears Texas Gulf Coast with storm surge and flooding hazard

Tropical Storm Bertha has degenerated into a trough and no longer meets the National Hurricane Center's classification of a tropical storm, according to the agency's final advisory on the system issued at 10:00 PM CDT on July 23, 2026.

The remnants of Bertha were located approximately 40 miles west-northwest of Houston, Texas at the time of the final advisory, per the National Hurricane Center. Maximum sustained winds near the remnants were 35 mph, with higher gusts, and the estimated minimum central pressure was 1008 millibars (29.77 inches).

The weakening marks a transition away from hurricane-force conditions, but inland weather hazards remain. The National Hurricane Center forecasts that the remnants will produce total rainfall amounts of 1 to 3 inches with isolated totals to 4 inches over South Texas tonight. The agency states that this rainfall may produce isolated flash flooding, especially in urban areas.

The remnants were moving toward the west near 14 mph at the time of the advisory, according to the National Hurricane Center. The agency reports that water levels may remain elevated through the next high tide cycle along the Louisiana and Texas coastline but should subside thereafter. Swells generated by the remnants will continue to affect the Louisiana and Texas coast through tonight and are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions, the National Hurricane Center states.

No coastal watches or warnings remained in effect at the time of the final advisory. The National Hurricane Center indicated this was its last public advisory on the system.

The Bottom Line: Bertha's shift from tropical storm to remnant status removes the immediate hurricane-force threat to the Gulf Coast, but elevated water levels and coastal swells will persist through the next high tide cycle. The inland rainfall threat over South Texas poses the primary hazard for isolated flash flooding in urban areas tonight.