Remnants of Bertha Fuel Heavy Rain and Flash Flood Threat Across the Southwest
July 24, 2026 — Although Bertha has weakened from its tropical cyclone status, its remnants continue to play a significant role in weather conditions across the southwestern United States. Deep tropical moisture associated with the former system is combining with the ongoing North American monsoon, creating favorable conditions for widespread showers, thunderstorms, and localized flash flooding.
Communities across portions of New Mexico, Arizona, southern Colorado, Utah, and western Texas are experiencing periods of heavy rainfall as moisture continues to stream northward. While the center of Bertha has dissipated, its lingering moisture remains capable of producing dangerous weather.
Tropical Moisture Enhances Monsoon Activity
The remnants of Bertha are providing an additional surge of moisture into an already active monsoon pattern. As daytime heating develops, thunderstorms are expected to become more numerous and capable of producing:
- Torrential rainfall
- Frequent lightning
- Localized damaging wind gusts
- Small hail
- Rapid rises on creeks and streams
- Flash flooding in low-lying and urban areas
Storms may repeatedly move over the same locations, increasing the potential for excessive rainfall and dangerous flooding.
Flash Flood Concerns Continue
Flash flooding remains the primary hazard as saturated soils and rugged terrain allow water to collect quickly. Areas near recent wildfire burn scars are especially vulnerable to dangerous debris flows and mudslides, even if rainfall lasts only a short time.
Residents should avoid flooded roadways, monitor changing weather conditions, and be prepared to move to higher ground if Flash Flood Warnings are issued.
Weather Pattern Through the Weekend
Forecast models indicate tropical moisture will remain in place through the weekend, allowing additional rounds of afternoon and evening thunderstorms to develop. While not every community will receive heavy rainfall, locations that experience repeated storms could see significant rainfall totals over a short period.
The combination of abundant moisture, monsoon instability, and slow-moving thunderstorms will continue to elevate the flood threat across parts of the Southwest.
Stay Weather Aware
Residents are encouraged to:
- Monitor the latest forecasts and weather alerts.
- Never drive through flooded roadways—Turn Around, Don’t Drown®.
- Have multiple ways to receive emergency warnings.
- Be especially cautious near creeks, washes, canyons, and burn scar areas where flooding can develop rapidly.
As the remnants of Bertha continue interacting with the Southwest monsoon, weather conditions can change quickly. Staying informed and prepared remains the best defense against heavy rain and flash flooding.
Stay with Radar Watch HQ for the latest tropical weather updates, flash flood warnings, monsoon forecasts, and severe weather coverage across the United States. Check back frequently for real-time weather information to help keep you and your family safe.
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Radar Watch HQ Top 5 Essential Emergency Preparedness Picks
Whether you’re preparing for severe thunderstorms, flash flooding, hurricanes, wildfires, or extended power outages, these five emergency essentials can help keep your household safer when severe weather strikes.
A portable power station provides reliable backup electricity during outages, allowing you to power phones, medical devices, laptops, lights, small appliances, and communication equipment without fuel.
Best for:
- Extended power outages
- Severe thunderstorms
- Hurricanes
- Winter storms
- Wildfires
2. Flood Protection Barriers & Sandless Flood Bags
Flood barriers help divert or absorb water before it enters garages, doorways, and low-lying areas. They deploy quickly and can help reduce property damage during flash flooding.
Best for:
- Flash Flood Warnings
- Heavy rainfall
- River flooding
- Coastal flooding
3. Rechargeable LED Flashlights
Bright, dependable flashlights are essential when the power goes out. Rechargeable or solar-powered models provide long-lasting illumination for navigating safely indoors and outdoors.
Best for:
- Overnight power outages
- Emergency evacuations
- Storm damage inspections
Keep phones, tablets, weather radios, and USB-powered devices charged when the electrical grid is unavailable. A solar power bank offers an additional charging option during prolonged emergencies.
Best for:
- Communication during outages
- Emergency weather alerts
- Travel and evacuation
A NOAA Weather Radio delivers official weather alerts directly from the National Weather Service, even when cellular networks or internet service are unavailable. It remains one of the most dependable ways to receive life-saving warnings.
Best for:
- Tornado warnings
- Severe thunderstorm warnings
- Flash flood warnings
- Hurricane alerts
- Winter storm emergencies
Why Radar Watch HQ Recommends These Essentials
At Radar Watch HQ, preparedness is just as important as staying informed. These five emergency essentials can help you stay connected, protect your property, and safely navigate severe weather events. Having supplies ready before storms arrive allows you to respond quickly when warnings are issued and conditions begin to deteriorate.
