Tropical Storm Bertha has formed in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico and is expected to impact portions of the Gulf Coast from Florida to Louisiana, potentially reaching as far west as Texas.The storm brings heavy rainfall, coastal flooding, and tropical storm-force winds.Satellite imagery shows bands of heavy rain already affecting the Florida Panhandle.

With winds at 40 mph, Bertha remains an unorganized system due to dry air and its large size, despite near-record warm Gulf waters fueling its development.

A tropical storm watch is in effect for areas from the Ochlockonee River in Florida to the Jefferson-Plaquemines Parish border in Louisiana, with potential conditions within 24-48 hours.Additional watches may extend westward along the Texas coast.

While Bertha is unlikely to strengthen significantly due to land interaction and increasing wind shear, it could reach the Upper Texas Coast as a tropical depression by late week.

Impacts include 2-4 inches of rain with localized flooding in urban areas like New Orleans, sustained winds of 39+ mph in affected regions, and storm surges up to 2-4 feet above normal levels.NOAA predicts a lower-than-average hurricane season due to El Niño effects, which may further hinder Bertha's development.