Tropical Storm Bertha Threatens Gulf Coast

Tropical Storm Bertha strengthened in the Gulf of Mexico, threatening millions with life-threatening flooding, high winds, and storm surge from Florida to Louisiana.

Tropical storm warnings were issued and beaches were closed as the system neared landfall, with forecasters warning of up to 15 inches of rain in some areas.

Coastal Alabama began feeling the outer bands, and New Orleans, still scarred by past hurricanes, prepared emergency services.

The storm is expected to make landfall within hours, bringing dangerous conditions to a wide swath of the Gulf Coast.