Tropical Storm Bertha made landfall near the Biloxi Wildlife Management Area in St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana, according to the National Hurricane Center and satellite imagery.
About 1,000 power outages have been reported, primarily in Adams, Amite, Lincoln, Pike, Warren, and Wilkinson counties. Sporadic outages are occurring across lower Mississippi, with utility crews working to restore power.
Gusty easterly winds are expected to shift southeast by Thursday evening and continue into Friday morning. Wind gusts over 40 mph are possible, with offshore gusts exceeding 50 mph, the National Weather Service in New Orleans said.
The storm surge forecast has been lowered to 1 to 3 feet. Minor coastal flooding is anticipated from Wednesday night into Thursday morning as onshore winds coincide with high tide. Some low-lying roads in the region have experienced minor flooding.
The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency has not received any requests for assistance. The agency continues to monitor conditions and coordinate with local emergency officials. Authorities advise residents to stay safe and take precautions against flooding and wind damage.
