The National Hurricane Center in Miami issued its 18th wind speed probability update for Tropical Storm Bertha at 9:00 p.m. UTC on Thursday, July 23, 2026.
At the time of the report, the center of Tropical Storm Bertha was positioned near latitude 29.8 North, longitude 94.7 West, with maximum sustained winds of approximately 35 knots — equivalent to 40 miles per hour or 65 kilometers per hour.
Forecasters calculated the likelihood of locations along the Gulf Coast experiencing sustained winds of at least 39 mph (tropical storm-force), 58 mph, or 74 mph over the coming five days. The probabilities reflect both the chance of winds arriving during any specific time window and the overall cumulative chance through the full forecast period.
Among the areas facing the highest cumulative probability of tropical storm-force winds of at least 34 knots was Galveston, Texas, with an 89 percent chance. Freeport, Texas came in at 77 percent, followed by Cameron, Louisiana at 76 percent, and High Island, Texas at 70 percent.
Houston, Texas and Matagorda, Texas each faced lower but still notable probabilities of 26 percent and 25 percent, respectively. Port O’Connor showed an 8 percent cumulative probability, while Port Arthur, Texas registered just 3 percent.
The forecast was prepared by forecaster Cangialosi at the National Hurricane Center.
