Baldwin County and Alabama’s Gulf Coast is anticipating impacts from this season’s second named storm, Tropical Storm Bertha, which is currently centered about 175 miles southeast of Mobile, moving slowly northwestward with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph.

Little to no additional intensification is expected due to persistent mid-level dry air and wind shear, according to the National Weather Service-Mobile. However, conditions will gradually deteriorate across coastal portions of the area over the next 24 hours as the center of Bertha makes its closest approach to the Alabama coast on Wednesday morning.

STORM SURGE / COASTAL FLOODING

Water levels will begin to rise on the backside of Tropical Storm Bertha as the winds turn onshore (southerly) early Wednesday. A Storm Surge Watch remains in effect for the entire Alabama coastline, including southern Mobile Bay.

Inundation of 2-4 feet above normally dry ground is possible along the coast from the Mississippi/Alabama state line to the Alabama/Florida state line, including southern Mobile Bay. Minor inundation is possible further east across the coastal portions of northwest Florida with inundation of 1-2 feet above normally dry ground.

Water levels will begin to rise late tonight (Tuesday) and should peak in the pre-dawn hours on both Wednesday and Thursday with high tide.

This may impact Wednesday morning rush hour, especially if there is splashover along the Causeway in the northern part of Mobile Bay.

Additional impacts include: Moderate beach erosion, vulnerable dunes breached in heavy surf, minor damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers and a few small craft broken away from moorings.

BEACH IMPACTS

A high risk of rip currents continues through at least Thursday night. Surf will build through the day today with dangerously large breaking waves of 8-11 feet by late tonight through Wednesday night before conditions begin to subside on Thursday.

WIND

A Tropical Storm Warning in effect for the southern and central portions of Mobile and Baldwin counties in Alabama with a Tropical Storm Watch still in effect for the coastal portions of northwest Florida. Winds will be gusty in the outer rainbands along the coastline, especially in places like Dauphin Island, Fort Morgan and Gulf Shores. The most likely time of arrival of tropical storm force winds for northwest Florida is this afternoon and by late this evening for coastal Alabama.

RAINFALL

The bulk of the rain will occur south of our area (over the Gulf) with around 1-3 inches possible across the coastal communities through Wednesday night.

FREE SAND AVAILABLE

According to a Baldwin County spokesperson, sand is available at the Baldwin County Central Annex (22251 Palmer St., Robertsdale, AL 36567). This is a self-serve location — bring your own bags and tools if sand is needed.