BERTHA NOW WELL INLAND OVER SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA;
HEAVY RAINFALL THREAT CONTINUES
August 5, 2002 — At 11 a.m. EDT, the broad and poorly-defined center of tropical depression Bertha was located near latitude 30.8 north, longitude 90.2 west or near Franklinton, La. This is also about 55 miles north-northwest of New Orleans, La. The depression is moving toward the north-northwest near 12 mph, and a turn to the west-northwest at a slower forward speed is expected during the next 24 hours, according to NOAA's National Hurricane Center. (Click NOAA satellite image for larger view of tropical depression Bertha taken on August 5, 2002, at 11:45 a.m. EDT. Click here to see latest satellite view. Click here to view latest satellite loop.)
Maximum sustained winds have decreased to near 30 mph with higher gusts in a few squalls east of the center. Additional weakening is forecast during the next 24 hours as the center moves further inland. Estimated minimum central pressure is 1010 mb, 29.83 inches.
The primary threat from Bertha is heavy rainfall and possible inland flooding. Additional rainfall amounts of 5 to 10 inches, with locally heavier amounts, are possible during the next 24 hours across portions of the western Florida panhandle, southwestern Alabama, southern Mississippi and southeastern Louisiana.
For storm information specific to your area, please consult NOAA’s local National Weather Service forecast offices.
Click NOAA tracking map for larger view.
Relevant Web Sites
NOAA's National Hurricane Center — Get the latest advisories here
Hurricane Forecasters Say 6 to 8 Hurricanes Could Threaten in 2002; NOAA Expects Normal to Slightly above Normal Atlantic Storm Activity
Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale
NOAA's River Forecast Centers
NOAA's Flood Products
NOAA Rainfall Graphics
24-hour Observed Precipitation as of 8 a.m. August 4, 2002
Latest rainfall data as of 8 a.m. EDT today
NOAA Buoys
NOAA Satellite Images — The latest satellite views
Colorized Satellite Images
NOAA 3-D Satellite Images
NOAA's Hurricanes Page
NOAA's Storm Watch — Get the latest severe weather information across the USA
Media Contact:
Frank Lepore, NOAA's National Hurricane Center, (305) 229-4404
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