Tropical Storm Bertha predicted to peter out by the time it hits The Woodlands

THE WOODLANDS, TX – It looks like the Tropical Depression 2 that struggled to become a named storm – Bertha – a few days ago, will hit the southeastern coast of Louisiana sometime Wednesday night as a tropical storm, lessen as it traverses westward across the Bayou State, and finally hit the Houston area Friday morning with more of a whimper than a splash.

By the time The Woodlands feels any effects from the storm, Bertha will have diminished back down into a tropical depression, with winds around 29 miles per hour. Since we’re positioned on the ‘dirty’ side of the storm, we should see some rains anywhere between Thursday evening and Saturday morning, but there isn’t a whiff of flooding in the forecast.

So, while we may have dodged the proverbial bullet with this storm, we’re only seven weeks into the six-month hurricane season, and there are still plenty of opportunities for The Woodlands Township and surrounding areas to feel the effects of stronger storms.

Much like umbrellas are cheaper to buy on sunny days, the best time to load up on supplies such as water, toilet paper, generators, and nonperishable foods is when a storm isn’t approaching. Buying, say, a simple eight-pack of toilet paper or pallet of bottled water every week or two will keep you well stocked up by the time a storm might hit. While the sun is shining, it’s the perfect chance to clean gutters, cut trees, and place work orders for precinct crews to re-dig some drainage ditches.

If you’ve yet to get, or renew, your flood insurance, don’t let it lapse; remember that there is a 30-day moratorium before any policies purchased go into effect. Check out the trees in your yard (and ask your next-door neighbors to do the same) to ensure they’re alive, sturdy, and pruned. Remember that, mainly, if a neighbor’s tree falls on your property, you’re the one stuck with the insurance claim.

Finally, be sure to bookmark Woodlands Online’s website and social media accounts (@woodlandsonline) to be kept up to date on weather and road conditions, especially as we wander deeper into hurricane season.