Thunderstorms have been pulsing near the center of Tropical Storm Bertha since Sunday evening, and recent data from the Hurricane Hunters suggest it is very near hurricane strength with winds of 70 mph. Environmental parameters are expected to become even more favorable for strengthening over the next 24 hours, and Bertha will likely be a hurricane later today or tomorrow.
However, the storm will pass more than 500 miles to the east of Florida today and is expected to continue on a northward track through Tuesday, then turn northeast and further away from the United States by Wednesday. Elsewhere in the tropics, all remains and quiet and new storm formation is not expected in the next five days.