Hurricane Bertha (2014)

{{Infobox weather event

| name = Hurricane Bertha

| image = Bertha Aug 4 2014 1750Z.jpg

| caption = Bertha at peak intensity northeast of the Bahamas on August 4

| formed = August 1, 2014

| extratropical = August 6, 2014

| dissipated = August 16, 2014

}}{{Infobox weather event/NWS

| winds = 70

| pressure = 998

}}{{Infobox weather event/Effects

| year = 2014

| fatalities = 4

| damage = Minimal

| areas = Lesser Antilles, Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, Cuba, Lucayan Archipelago, East Coast of the United States, Western Europe

| refs =

}}{{Infobox weather event/Footer

| season = 2014 Atlantic hurricane season

}}

Hurricane Bertha was an unusual tropical cyclone in early August 2014 that attained hurricane status, despite having a disheveled appearance and an abnormally high atmospheric pressure. The third tropical cyclone and second hurricane of the season, Bertha developed from a tropical wave south of Cape Verde was monitored first for possible tropical cyclogenesis on July 26. Over the following days, it slowly developed and acquired gale-force winds and enough convection to be designated as Tropical Storm Bertha early on August 1. A mostly disorganized cyclone, Bertha quickly moved across the Lesser Antilles, clipping the northern end of Martinique, later that day. During its trek across the eastern Caribbean Sea, its circulation became severely disrupted and it may have degenerated into a tropical wave. On August 3, it traversed the Mona Passage and moved over the Southeastern Bahamas where conditions favored development. Despite an overall ragged appearance on satellite imagery, data from Hurricane Hunters indicated it intensified to a hurricane on August 4; it acquired peak winds of {{convert|80|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} that day. Turning north, and later northeast, Bertha soon weakened as it began to merge with an approaching trough to the west. This merger ultimately took place on August 6, at which time Bertha was declared extratropical well to the south of Nova Scotia. The remnant system raced eastward across the Atlantic and later struck the United Kingdom on August 10. Once over the North Sea, the storm stalled for a few days before resuming its eastward track. It was last noted around the Baltic Sea on August 16.

As a tropical cyclone, Bertha's impact was relatively minor. Widespread power outages occurred along its path but no major damage or loss of life took place on land. Enhanced swells and rip currents associated with the hurricane resulted in three fatalities and dozens of rescues along the East Coast of the United States. After becoming an extratropical system, it had significant effects in Western Europe. Particularly hard hit was the United Kingdom, where wind gusts reached {{convert|108|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}. Unseasonably heavy rains triggered widespread flooding which shut down roads and prompted evacuations. One fatality took place offshore. On mainland Europe, a small tornado outbreak resulted in scattered structural damage in Belgium, France, and Germany.

Meteorological history

On July 24, 2014, a westward moving tropical wave emerged off the west coast of Africa near the Cape Verde Islands. Following the development of convective activity —showers and thunderstorms— on July 26, National Hurricane Center (NHC) began monitoring the system for potential tropical cyclogenesis.{{cite report|author=Eric S. Blake|work=National Hurricane Center|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|date=December 18, 2014|access-date=December 21, 2014|title=Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Bertha|url={{NHC TCR url|id=AL032014_Bertha}}|format=PDF|location=Miami, Florida}}{{cite report|author=Stacy R. Stewart|work=National Hurricane Center|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|date=July 26, 2014|access-date=August 10, 2014|title=Tropical Weather Outlook|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/text/TWOAT/2014/TWOAT.201407260557.txt|format=.TXT|location=Miami, Florida}} A disorganized system, development was forecast to be slow due to unfavorable environmental conditions.{{cite report|author=Stacy R. Stewart|work=National Hurricane Center|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|date=July 27, 2014|access-date=August 10, 2014|title=Tropical Weather Outlook|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/text/TWOAT/2014/TWOAT.201407270531.txt|format=.TXT|location=Miami, Florida}} Organization and coverage of convection began improving by July 28, due in part to the passage of a Kelvin wave.{{cite report|author=Stacy R. Stewart|work=National Hurricane Center|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|date=July 28, 2014|access-date=August 10, 2014|title=Tropical Weather Outlook|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/text/TWOAT/2014/TWOAT.201407280532.txt|format=.TXT|location=Miami, Florida}} An area of low pressure subsequently consolidated within the disturbance on July 29 and the NHC assessed the system as having high chance of becoming a tropical depression.{{cite report|author=John Cangialosi|work=National Hurricane Center|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|date=July 29, 2014|access-date=August 10, 2014|title=Tropical Weather Outlook|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/text/TWOAT/2014/TWOAT.201407290529.txt|format=.TXT|location=Miami, Florida}} Convection soon diminished over the system, though its circulation remained well-defined.{{cite report|author=Richard J. Pasch|work=National Hurricane Center|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|date=July 29, 2014|access-date=August 10, 2014|title=Tropical Weather Outlook|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/text/TWOAT/2014/TWOAT.201407291738.txt|format=.TXT|location=Miami, Florida}} Moving west-northwest around the periphery of a strong subtropical ridge, the low acquired tropical storm-force winds early on July 31 but continued to lack convection.{{cite report|author=John Cangialosi|work=National Hurricane Center|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|date=July 31, 2014|access-date=August 10, 2014|title=Tropical Weather Outlook|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/text/TWOAT/2014/TWOAT.201407310531.txt|format=.TXT|location=Miami, Florida}} A hurricane hunter aircraft investigated the system that afternoon and found winds of {{convert|45|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} north and northeast of the center. In the hours following the weather reconnaissance mission, a band of deep convection blossomed near the center, prompting the NHC to designate the system as Tropical Storm Bertha at 00:00 UTC on August 1. Upon its classification, Bertha was situated roughly {{convert|345|mi|km|abbr=on}} east-southeast of Barbados in the Lesser Antilles.{{cite report|author=Stacy R. Stewart|work=National Hurricane Center|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|date=July 31, 2014|access-date=August 10, 2014|title=Tropical Storm Bertha Discussion Number 1|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2014/al03/al032014.discus.001.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}}

Within hours of Bertha's designation on August 1, wind shear stemming from a trough over the central Atlantic displaced convection from the circulation center.{{cite report|author=Lixion A. Avila|work=National Hurricane Center|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|date=August 1, 2014|access-date=August 12, 2014|title=Tropical Storm Bertha Discussion Number 2|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2014/al03/al032014.discus.002.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}} Satellite imagery depicted a well-defined and vigorous circulation; however, observations from the hurricane hunters indicated a wind field more akin to a tropical wave.{{cite report|author=John L. Beven II|work=National Hurricane Center|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|date=August 1, 2014|access-date=August 12, 2014|title=Tropical Storm Bertha Discussion Number 3|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2014/al03/al032014.discus.003.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}} Around 21:00 UTC, Bertha clipped the northern end of Martinique with sustained winds of {{convert|50|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}.{{cite report|author=John L. Beven II|work=National Hurricane Center|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|date=August 1, 2014|access-date=August 10, 2014|title=Tropical Storm Bertha Public Advisory Number 4|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2014/al03/al032014.public.004.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}} Persistent shear continued to take its toll on the cyclone as it entered the Caribbean Sea with aircraft data indicating no closed circulation at {{convert|5000|ft|m|abbr=on}} elevation. Despite this, observations from Martinique and Dominica indicated that there was some semblance of a surface circulation, and the NHC continued to monitor Bertha as a tropical storm.{{cite report|author=Michael J. Brennan|work=National Hurricane Center|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|date=August 1, 2014|access-date=August 12, 2014|title=Tropical Storm Bertha Discussion Number 5|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2014/al03/al032014.discus.005.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}} Throughout August 2, convection steadily increased in coverage and organization though the center of Bertha remained displaced from the strongest thunderstorms to the southwest. NEXRAD weather radar imagery from San Juan, Puerto Rico depicted a disorganized, possibly open circulation throughout the day. In light of this, NHC forecaster John Beven noted that the system could degenerate into an open wave around the time in reached Hispaniola later on August 2.{{cite report|author=John L. Beven|work=National Hurricane Center|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|date=August 2, 2014|access-date=August 12, 2014|title=Tropical Storm Bertha Discussion Number 7|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2014/al03/al032014.discus.007.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}}

File:Bertha Aug 2 2014 1455Z.jpg

Continued effects of dry air entrainment, shear, and land interaction further degraded Bertha's structure and late on August 2, "the system

barely [qualified] as a tropical cyclone". Various data sources indicated no closed circulation by 21:00 UTC and it was noted that advisories could be discontinued, at least temporarily.{{cite report|author=John L. Beven|work=National Hurricane Center|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|date=August 2, 2014|access-date=August 12, 2014|title=Tropical Storm Bertha Discussion Number 8|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2014/al03/al032014.discus.008.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}} Early on August 3, the disheveled storm moved through the Mona Passage and brushed the eastern coast of the Dominican Republic before emerging over the Atlantic Ocean.{{cite report|author=Michael J. Brennan|work=National Hurricane Center|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|date=August 2, 2014|access-date=August 10, 2014|title=Tropical Storm Bertha Public Advisory Number 8A|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2014/al03/al032014.public_a.008.shtml?|location=Miami, Florida}} As the storm moved away from Hispaniola its movement became more northwesterly, following the edge of the subtropical ridge.{{cite report|author=Stacy R. Stewart|work=National Hurricane Center|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|date=August 3, 2014|access-date=August 12, 2014|title=Tropical Storm Bertha Discussion Number 10|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2014/al03/al032014.discus.010.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}} Moving near the Turks and Caicos Islands,{{cite report|author=Richard J. Pasch|work=National Hurricane Center|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|date=August 2, 2014|access-date=August 10, 2014|title=Tropical Storm Bertha Public Advisory Number 10A|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2014/al03/al032014.public_a.010.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}} Bertha's circulation finally became better organized and banding features developing over its eastern periphery.{{cite report|author=Richard J. Pasch|work=National Hurricane Center|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|date=August 3, 2014|access-date=August 12, 2014|title=Tropical Storm Bertha Discussion Number 11|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2014/al03/al032014.discus.011.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}} At 14:00 UTC, Bertha made landfall on Middle Caicos Island with winds of {{convert|45|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}. Subsequent strengthening of upper-level outflow, decreased shear, increased mid-level humidity, and high sea surface temperatures enabled rapid intensification. Deep convection wrapped cyclonically into the storm and winds reached {{convert|65|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} by 03:00 UTC on August 4.{{cite report|author=Richard J. Pasch|work=National Hurricane Center|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|date=August 3, 2014|access-date=August 12, 2014|title=Tropical Storm Bertha Discussion Number 12|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2014/al03/al032014.discus.012.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}}{{cite report|author=Daniel P. Brown|work=National Hurricane Center|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|date=August 4, 2014|access-date=August 12, 2014|title=Tropical Storm Bertha Discussion Number 13|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2014/al03/al032014.discus.013.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}} During the early part of August 4, structural organization began to degrade with convection becoming more limited in extent and banding features dissipating. The only factor aiding the storm was its well-defined outflow. However, despite the storm's ragged and weak appearance, observations from hurricane hunters indicated that it had intensified into a hurricane by 12:00 UTC. Bertha is estimated to have reached its peak intensity around this time with winds of {{convert|80|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} and a barometric pressure of 998 mbar (hPa; 29.47 inHg). Additionally, by this time its movement had shifted to due north and with increased forward momentum.{{cite report|author=Richard J. Pasch|work=National Hurricane Center|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|date=August 4, 2014|access-date=August 12, 2014|title=Hurricane Bertha Discussion Number 15|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2014/al03/al032014.discus.015.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}}{{cite report|author=Richard J. Pasch|work=National Hurricane Center|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|date=August 4, 2014|access-date=August 12, 2014|title=Hurricane Bertha Public Advisory Number 15|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2014/al03/al032014.public.015.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}}

Through the remainder of August 4 and into the early hours of August 5, Bertha maintained hurricane status with its atypical structure. At times, its circulation became exposed due to increasing wind shear.{{cite report|author=Daniel P. Brown|work=National Hurricane Center|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|date=August 4, 2014|access-date=August 12, 2014|title=Hurricane Bertha Discussion Number 17|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2014/al03/al032014.discus.017.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}} Acceleration to the north-northeast ahead of a trough off the East Coast of the United States ensued as the system weakened below hurricane intensity during the overnight of August 4–5.{{cite report|author=Stacy R. Stewart|work=National Hurricane Center|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|date=August 4, 2014|access-date=August 12, 2014|title=Tropical Storm Bertha Discussion Number 18|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2014/al03/al032014.discus.018.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}} Steadily increasing wind shear kept the circulation center mostly devoid of thunderstorms, with periodic bursts of convection being quickly pushed away. The storm's motion became more northeasterly early on August 6 as it began to undergo an extratropical transition.{{cite report|author=Daniel P. Brown|work=National Hurricane Center|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|date=August 5, 2014|access-date=August 12, 2014|title=Tropical Storm Bertha Discussion Number 21|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2014/al03/al032014.discus.021.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}} An upper-level jet streak coupled with the system that morning, prompting convection to develop away from the storm's center.{{cite report|author=Michael J. Brennan|work=National Hurricane Center|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|date=August 6, 2014|access-date=August 12, 2014|title=Tropical Storm Bertha Discussion Number 22|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2014/al03/al032014.discus.022.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}} Bertha soon merged with the trough steering it northeast as it moved into the cold sector of the front, which extended from Nova Scotia to The Bahamas. The merger of these systems marked Bertha's transition into an extratropical system,{{cite report|author=Lixion A. Avila|work=National Hurricane Center|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|date=August 6, 2014|access-date=August 12, 2014|title=Post-Tropical Cyclone Bertha Discussion Number 23|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2014/al03/al032014.discus.023.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}} at which time it was located {{convert|290|mi|km|abbr=on}} south-southeast of Halifax, Nova Scotia. Slight intensification took place shortly thereafter with winds increasing to {{convert|60|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} before weakening resumed. The system raced eastward across the Atlantic and ultimately degraded into a trough several hundred miles southwest of Ireland on August 9. Bertha's remnants struck the United Kingdom the following day and later moved over the North Sea.{{cite web|publisher=GAB Robins |date=August 11, 2014 |access-date=December 21, 2014 |title=Surge Update: Many areas continue to be affected by ex-Hurricane Bertha |url=http://www.gabrobins.co.uk/media/95735/surge_bulletin_11th_august_2014.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141221182055/http://www.gabrobins.co.uk/media/95735/surge_bulletin_11th_august_2014.pdf |archive-date=December 21, 2014 }} There, the storm stalled for a few days before resuming its eastward track.{{cite web|author= Miranda Prynne|publisher=The Telegraph|date=August 15, 2014|access-date=August 15, 2014|title=UK weather: Wrap up, big chill on the way in Bertha's wake|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/topics/weather/11034528/UK-weather-Wrap-up-big-chill-on-the-way-in-Berthas-wake.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140815040828/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/topics/weather/11034528/UK-weather-Wrap-up-big-chill-on-the-way-in-Berthas-wake.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 15, 2014}} The decaying cyclone moved over Scandinavia on August 14 and was last noted on August 16 near the Baltic Sea.{{cite web|publisher=Institut für Meteorologie|date=August 14, 2014|access-date=December 21, 2014|title=August 14, 2014 Europe Surface Analysis|url=http://www.met.fu-berlin.de/de/wetter/maps/Analyse_20140814.gif|format=GIF|location=Berlin, Germany}}{{cite web|publisher=Institut für Meteorologie|date=August 16, 2014|access-date=December 21, 2014|title=August 16, 2014 Europe Surface Analysis|url=http://www.met.fu-berlin.de/de/wetter/maps/Analyse_20140816.gif|format=GIF|location=Berlin, Germany}}{{cite web|publisher=Institut für Meteorologie|date=August 17, 2014|access-date=December 21, 2014|title=August 17, 2014 Europe Surface Analysis|url=http://www.met.fu-berlin.de/de/wetter/maps/Analyse_20140817.gif|format=GIF|location=Berlin, Germany}}

Preparations and impact

=Caribbean=

File:Tropical Storm Bertha 2014 Puerto Rico rainfall.png

Late on August 1, Bertha crossed the Lesser Antilles, bringing strong winds and heavy rain to many islands. Across Martinique, the storm produced sustained winds of {{convert|46|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} with gusts to {{convert|54|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}. Numerous lightning strikes caused widespread surges in the electrical grid and left 150,000 residences without electricity. Power was restored to all customers by the evening of August 2.{{cite web|publisher=France-Antilles|date=August 2, 2014|access-date=August 15, 2014|title=L'ensemble des abonnés EDF réalimentés|url=http://www.martinique.franceantilles.fr/actualite/divers/l-ensemble-des-abonnes-edf-realimentes-265897.php|language=fr}} Rainfall was relatively light and less than anticipated with {{convert|30|to|60|mm|in|abbr=on|order=flip}} falling across northern areas of the island and {{convert|10|to|20|mm|in|abbr=on|order=flip}} over southern areas.{{cite web|publisher=France-Antilles|date=August 2, 2014|access-date=August 15, 2014|title=Bertha s'éloigne de la Martinique|url=http://www.martinique.franceantilles.fr/actualite/environnement/bertha-s-eloigne-de-la-martinique-265895.php|language=fr}} Similar effects were felt in Guadeloupe where gusts reached {{convert|92|km/h|mph|abbr=on|order=flip}} on La Désirade. A general {{convert|100|to|150|mm|in|abbr=on|order=flip}} fell across Basse-Terre Island. Few reports of downed trees and power lines were received and overall damage was negligible.{{cite web|publisher=France-Antilles|date=August 5, 2014|access-date=August 15, 2014|title=Bertha s'éloigne, mais une nouvelle onde arrive|url=http://www.guadeloupe.franceantilles.fr/pratique/meteo/bertha-s-eloigne-mais-une-nouvelle-onde-arrive-280598.php|language=fr}} Some rain and wind also affected Barbados.

Dominica Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit declared a public holiday for the afternoon of August 1 in order for all workers to return home in advance of the storm.{{cite web|publisher=Trinidad Express|date=August 1, 2014|access-date=August 15, 2014|title=Dominica PM: Go home, prepare for Bertha|url=http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Dominica-PM-Go-home-prepare-for-Bertha-269627371.html}} Several LIAT flights for the island and St. Lucia were canceled.{{cite web|author=Danica Coto |agency=Associated Press |publisher=Fort Mill Times |location=San Juan, Puerto Rico |date=August 1, 2014 |access-date=August 15, 2014 |title=Tropical storm dumps rain in eastern Caribbean |url=http://www.fortmilltimes.com/2014/08/01/3639352/tropical-storm-bertha-approaching.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140815142605/http://www.fortmilltimes.com/2014/08/01/3639352/tropical-storm-bertha-approaching.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 15, 2014 }} Wind gusts on Dominica reached {{convert|43|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} and hundreds of people lost power.

Coincidentally, Bertha threatened the United States Virgin Islands 18 years after a hurricane in 1996 of the same name, with both affecting the primary elections. Turnout was low as expected due to the storm, with 9,217 people (26.05 percent) of voters showing up to polls.{{cite web|author=Jenny Kane |publisher=Virgin Islands Daily News |date=August 4, 2014 |access-date=August 17, 2014 |title=Rains dampen voter turnout for primary election |url=http://virginislandsdailynews.com/news/rains-dampen-voter-turnout-for-primary-election-1.1730404 |location=St. Thomas, Virgin Islands |archive-date=August 19, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819082300/http://virginislandsdailynews.com/news/rains-dampen-voter-turnout-for-primary-election-1.1730404 |url-status=dead }} In response to the storm, the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency was activated, leave for all police officers was suspended, and officers began operating on 12-hour shifts on August 1. The Public Works Department appropriated sandbags and cleared storm drains in anticipation of heavy rain.{{cite web|author=Jenny Kane |publisher=Virgin Island Daily News |date=August 2, 2014 |access-date=August 17, 2014 |title=Bertha makes an Election Day return to the USVI |url=http://virginislandsdailynews.com/news/bertha-makes-an-election-day-return-to-the-usvi-1.1729623 |archive-date=August 19, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819083332/http://virginislandsdailynews.com/news/bertha-makes-an-election-day-return-to-the-usvi-1.1729623 |url-status=dead }} The outer edges of Bertha produced near-hurricane-force around the United States Virgin Islands, with an offshore buoy near St. Thomas measuring a gust of {{convert|72|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}. Gale-force winds on St. Croix snapped many tree limbs.

File:Bertha over TCI.gif on August 3]]

Across Puerto Rico, the outer bands of Bertha dropped a general {{convert|3|to|5|in|mm|abbr=on}} of rain, with isolated areas reaching {{convert|10|in|mm|abbr=on}}, over areas suffering from a drought. Accumulations peaked at {{convert|11.11|in|mm|abbr=on}} in Adjuntas. Some flooding occurred on the island, resulting in the partial collapse of two roads.{{cite web|publisher=The Weather Channel |date=August 6, 2014 |access-date=August 15, 2014 |title=Hurricane Bertha Recap: Much-Needed Rain For Puerto Rico, Rip Current Rescues Along U.S. East Coast |url=http://www.weather.com/news/weather-hurricanes/hurricane-bertha-atlantic-20140804 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140814131641/http://www.weather.com/news/weather-hurricanes/hurricane-bertha-atlantic-20140804 |archive-date=August 14, 2014 }} The Río Grande de Arecibo topped its banks between highways 10 and 123 within the Utuado Municipality.{{cite report|author=National Weather Service Office in San Juan, Puerto Rico|work=National Climatic Data Center|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|year=2014|access-date=June 1, 2015|title=Puerto Rico Event Report: Flash Flood|url=http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=538540}} Landslides blocked a few roads around Aceitunas.{{cite web|publisher=BBC Mundo|date=August 4, 2014|access-date=August 15, 2014|title=Los efectos de la tormenta tropical Bertha a su paso por Puerto Rico|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/mundo/noticias/2014/08/140803_paso_de_tormenta_bertha_por_caribe_bd.shtml|language=es}} Tropical storm-force wind gusts, peaking at {{convert|52|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}, downed some trees and power lines.{{cite report|author=National Weather Service Office in San Juan, Puerto Rico|work=National Climatic Data Center|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|year=2014|access-date=June 1, 2015|title=Puerto Rico Event Report: Tropical Storm|url=http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=537955}}{{cite report|author=National Weather Service Office in San Juan, Puerto Rico|work=National Climatic Data Center|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|year=2014|access-date=June 1, 2015|title=Puerto Rico Event Report: Tropical Storm|url=http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=537957}} Prolific lightning accompanied the storm and resulted in 29,000 residences losing power. In Arroyo, 239 people, mostly athletes, sought refuge in public shelters.{{cite web|agency=Associated Press|publisher=Wall Street Journal|date=August 2, 2014|access-date=August 15, 2014|title=Tropical Storm Bertha Rains Upon Puerto Rico|location=San Juan, Puerto Rico|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/tropical-storm-bertha-rains-upon-puerto-rico-1406999045}}

Following the designation of Tropical Storm Bertha on August 1, the Ministry of Public Works and Communications in the Dominican Republic activated emergency operations to prepare for the storm.{{cite web|publisher=Noticias Sin|date=August 1, 2014|access-date=August 13, 2014|title=MOPC activa su plan de emergencias por tormenta Bertha|url=http://www.noticiassin.com/2014/08/mopc-activa-su-plan-de-emergencias-por-tormenta-bertha/|location=Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic|language=es|archive-date=August 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140814193039/http://www.noticiassin.com/2014/08/mopc-activa-su-plan-de-emergencias-por-tormenta-bertha/|url-status=dead}} Several flights to and from Las Américas International Airport near Santo Domingo were canceled on August 2.{{cite web|agency=Reuters|publisher=Caracol Radio|date=August 2, 2014|access-date=August 13, 2014|title=República Dominicana cancela vuelos por tormenta tropical Bertha|url=http://www.caracol.com.co/noticias/tecnologia/republica-dominicana-cancela-vuelos-por-tormenta-tropical-bertha/20140802/nota/2350471.aspx|location=Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic|language=es|archive-date=August 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140814193613/http://www.caracol.com.co/noticias/tecnologia/republica-dominicana-cancela-vuelos-por-tormenta-tropical-bertha/20140802/nota/2350471.aspx|url-status=dead}} Heavy rains in the country, peaking at {{convert|4.7|in|mm|abbr=on}} in Bayaguana, caused significant flooding, especially along the Soco River which overflowed its banks. The communities of Atilano, Cabeza de Toro, Campiña, Concho Primo, and Lima, were temporarily isolated by the rising waters. Less substantial flooding occurred elsewhere in the country, with seven homes inundated in Moscú. Additionally, strong winds downed many trees in the region.{{cite web|work=Agencia EFE|publisher=Noticias Sin|date=August 3, 2014|access-date=August 13, 2014|title=Tormenta Bertha aisló a varias comunidades en el este de RD|url=http://www.noticiassin.com/2014/08/tormenta-bertha-aislo-a-varias-comunidades-en-el-este-de-rd/|location=Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic|language=es|archive-date=August 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140814213851/http://www.noticiassin.com/2014/08/tormenta-bertha-aislo-a-varias-comunidades-en-el-este-de-rd/|url-status=dead}}

Across the Southeastern Bahamas, residents were warned of the approaching storm; however, many were preoccupied with a local regatta and ignored warnings.{{cite web|agency=Associated Press|publisher=CBS News|date=August 3, 2014|access-date=August 13, 2014|title=Tropical Storm Bertha slams Dominican Republic|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/tropical-storm-bertha-slams-dominican-republic/|location=Turks and Caicos Islands}} In the Turks and Caicos, locals brought their boats closer to shore and anchored them. Hotels were reportedly "taking seriously the threat of the storm."{{cite web|agency=Associated Press|publisher=El Universal|date=August 4, 2014|access-date=August 13, 2014|title=Tormenta tropical Bertha no llegará a EU|url=http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/el-mundo/2014/tormenta-tropical-bertha-no-llegara-a-eu--1027761.html|location=Turks and Caicos Islands|language=es}} Increased surf and sporadic heavy rains associated with Bertha affected portions of Cuba.{{cite web|publisher=Cuba Debate|date=August 3, 2014|access-date=August 13, 2014|title=Tormenta tropical Bertha en retirada: lluvias en Cuba|url=http://www.cubadebate.cu/noticias/2014/08/03/tormenta-tropical-bertha-en-retirada-lluvias-en-cuba/#.U-uYJ0if998|language=es}}

=United States East Coast=

File:Hurricane Bertha swells at Misquamicut RI.jpg due to Bertha]]

Though Bertha remained hundreds of miles offshore, long-period swells resulted in dangerous rip currents across the East Coast of the United States.{{cite web|author=Keitha Nelson|publisher=First Coast News|date=August 5, 2014|access-date=August 17, 2014|title=Bertha causes dangerous rip currents|url=http://www.firstcoastnews.com/story/news/local/2014/08/05/bertha-causes-dangerous-rip-currents/13605331/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140817144035/http://www.firstcoastnews.com/story/news/local/2014/08/05/bertha-causes-dangerous-rip-currents/13605331/|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 17, 2014}} Two people required rescue off the coast of Jacksonville, Florida due to rip currents.{{cite web|publisher=News 4 Jax|date=August 4, 2014|access-date=August 17, 2014|title=Bertha passing, but still poses dangers|url=http://www.news4jax.com/bertha-passing-but-still-poses-dangers/27310120|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819130042/http://www.news4jax.com/bertha-passing-but-still-poses-dangers/27310120|archive-date=August 19, 2014|url-status=dead}} Lingering swells resulted in the drowning of a man at Mickler's Landing in Ponte Vedra Beach.{{cite web|author=National Weather Service Office in Jacksonville, Florida|work=National Climatic Data Center|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|year=2014|access-date=December 21, 2014|title=Florida Event Report: Rip Current|url=http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=537888}} Further north near Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, a man was pulled out to sea by rip currents and rescued by the Hatteras Island Rescue Squad; however, after being hospitalized he later succumbed to his injuries and died.{{cite web|author=Irene Nolan|publisher=Island Free Press|date=August 8, 2014|access-date=August 17, 2014|title= Visitor dies after ocean rescue in Frisco|url=http://www.islandfreepress.org/2014Archives/08.08.2014-VisitorDiesAfterOceanRescueInFrisco.html|archive-date=August 19, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819085545/http://www.islandfreepress.org/2014Archives/08.08.2014-VisitorDiesAfterOceanRescueInFrisco.html}} Tropical storm warnings were raised for offshore zones; waves of {{convert|15|to|25|ft|m|abbr=on}} were forecast for areas off the Delmarva Peninsula and New Jersey.{{cite web|author=Todd B. Bates|publisher=Asbury Park Press|date=August 4, 2014|access-date=August 17, 2014|title=Hurricane Bertha likely to hike rip current risk|url=http://www.app.com/story/news/local/land-environment/enviroguy/2014/08/04/hurricane-bertha-may-hike-nj-rip-current-risk/13575295/}} Several people were injured in rough seas at Rehoboth Beach, Delaware while lifeguards performed multiple rescues.{{cite web|author=Mark Fowser|publisher=WDEL 1150AM|date=August 6, 2014|access-date=August 17, 2014|title=Tropical Storm Bertha churning rip currents at Del. beaches|url=http://www.wdel.com/story.php?id=61519|archive-date=August 17, 2014|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140817144048/http://www.wdel.com/story.php?id=61519|url-status=dead}} In Ocean City, New Jersey, 25 rescues took place on August 5.{{cite web|author=Ann Richardson |publisher=Ocean City Gazette |date=August 6, 2014 |access-date=August 17, 2014 |title=OCBP warns of rip currents from Bertha |url=http://www.shorenewstoday.com/snt/news/index.php/ocean-city-general-news/55415-ocbp-warns-of-rip-currents-from-bertha.html |location=Ocean City, New Jersey |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140813235123/http://www.shorenewstoday.com/snt/news/index.php/ocean-city-general-news/55415-ocbp-warns-of-rip-currents-from-bertha.html |archive-date=August 13, 2014 }} That same day, a woman nearly drowned near Atlantic City after being pulled out by rip currents.{{cite web|agency=Associated Press|publisher=NBC 10|date=August 5, 2014|access-date=November 22, 2014|title=Woman Still Alive After Nearly Drowning at AC Beach|url=http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/Woman-Still-Alive-After-Nearly-Drowning-at-AC-Beach-270048991.html}}

=Western Europe=

File:Bertha 2014-08-11 VIIRS.jpg

Heavy rains from the remnant of Bertha caused widespread flooding across the United Kingdom. Flood warnings were issued for 6 regions across the nation while alerts were raised for a further 47 areas during the storm's passage.{{cite web|publisher=ITV|date=August 11, 2014|access-date=August 11, 2014|title=Flood warnings issued amid Bertha storm|url=http://www.itv.com/news/update/2014-08-11/flood-warnings-issued-amid-bertha-storm/}} In London, a water main burst and inundated surrounding streets. Thirty shops were affected and nearby stations of the London Underground were swamped.{{cite web|author=Alexandra Rucki |publisher=London Evening Standard |date=August 10, 2014 |access-date=August 11, 2014 |title=Burst water main and former hurricane Bertha cause chaos across London |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/burst-water-main-and-exhurricane-bertha-cause-chaos-across-london-9659674.html |archive-date=August 11, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140811181149/http://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/burst-water-main-and-exhurricane-bertha-cause-chaos-across-london-9659674.html |url-status=dead }} The Prudential RideLondon race was shortened by {{convert|14|mi|km|abbr=on}} due to the storm. The River Dee rose to its highest level since 1990 and flooded surrounding areas. Footbridges and paths along its banks were washed away, though no structures were affected.{{cite web|publisher=Donside Piper|date=August 15, 2014|access-date=August 16, 2014|title=Derry bridge lost as Bertha hits Mar estate|url=http://www.donsidepiper.co.uk/news/derry-bridge-lost-as-bertha-hits-mar-estate-1-3510904}} Lossiemouth, Scotland, received a month's worth of rain in roughly 12 hours. Flooding in Elgin prompted the evacuation of 200 homes. Numerous roads were washed out across Scotland and First ScotRail reported widespread service disruption.{{cite web|publisher=British Broadcasting Company |date=August 11, 2014 |access-date=August 11, 2014 |title=Parts of Scotland affected by ex-hurricane Bertha |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-28739164 |archive-date=August 11, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140811225219/http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-28739164 |url-status=dead }} High winds and flooding also damaged crops across the region, namely in Scotland.{{cite web|author=Olivia Cooper|publisher=Farmers Weekly|date=August 12, 2014|access-date=August 17, 2014|title=Hurricane Bertha wreaks harvest havoc|url=http://www.fwi.co.uk/articles/12/08/2014/146111/hurricane-bertha-wreaks-harvest-havoc.htm}} A Gold Duke of Edinburgh expedition team from 1st Raffrey Boys' Brigade were forced to airlift a crew member to safety after sustaining injuries caused by severe weather conditions in the Mournes. The team of five, part of a larger group of thirty, required the assistance of a helicopter from Dublin to save the fallen traveller and winched him to safety. Although scarred, the team went on to complete the expedition in record time.

Offshore, a man suffered a fatal head injury on his yacht amid rough seas and high winds. The Solent Coastguards flew out to rescue the man, but he was declared dead on the scene.{{cite web|author=Melanie Adams|publisher=Southern Daily Echo|date=August 11, 2014|access-date=August 14, 2014|title=Yachtsman killed after getting caught in strong winds in The Solent|url=http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/11401937.Yachtsman_killed_after_getting_caught_in_strong_winds/}} Twenty vessels competing in the 2014 EXE Sails GP14 World Championships were caught in high winds produced by the storm and capsized in the Strangford Lough. A nearby hospital declared a major incident and the coast guard rushed to rescue the 97 sailors stranded in the water. Only one person suffered injuries, but all were treated for hypothermia.{{cite web|author=Bill Gardner and Alice Philipson|publisher=The Telegraph|date=August 11, 2014|access-date=August 15, 2014|title=Sailors plunged into sea as 20 boats capsize in high winds|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/topics/weather/11026379/Sailors-plunged-into-sea-as-20-boats-capsize-in-high-winds.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812072339/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/topics/weather/11026379/Sailors-plunged-into-sea-as-20-boats-capsize-in-high-winds.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 12, 2014}}

The outer bands of Bertha's remnants produced a prolonged period of severe weather over mainland Europe, extending from France to Sweden. In southwest Germany, gusts reached {{convert|120|km/h|mph|abbr=on|order=flip}}.{{cite web|publisher=TVN Meteo|date=August 11, 2014|access-date=August 16, 2014|title=Burze nie ustępują. Grzmi m.in. na Mazurach|url=http://tvnmeteo.tvn24.pl/informacje-pogoda/prognoza,45/burze-nie-ustepuja-grzmi-min-na-mazurach,129929,1,0.html|language=pl}} On August 10, a small tornado outbreak occurred with touchdowns taking place in Belgium, France, and Germany. The strongest of these, rated F2 on the Fujita Scale, affected Bad Schwalbach, Germany; 50 homes were damaged in the area and a swath of forest was heavily damaged. An F1 tornado struck an outdoor event in Luxembourg, Belgium, resulting in four serious injuries. Additionally, an EF1 storm traveled for {{convert|41|km|mi|abbr=on|order=flip}} through the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region of France. Another tornado, rated F0, touched down in Kingston upon Hull, United Kingdom, on the same day.{{cite web|publisher=European Severe Storms Laboratory|year=2014|access-date=August 14, 2014|title=European Severe Weather Database|url=http://essl.org/cgi-bin/eswd/eswd.cgi}}{{cite web|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/hurricane-bertha-mini-tornado-rips-4034236|title=Hurricane Bertha: Mini TORNADO rips through Hull as resident is injured by shattered swirling glass|website=Daily Mirror |date=August 10, 2014|access-date=August 12, 2014}}

Alerts were raised across Norway for the potential of flooding and damaging winds.{{cite web|author=Lars Barth-Heyerdahl and Kaja Kirkerud|publisher=TV2|date=August 11, 2014|access-date=August 16, 2014|title=Bertha kan gi uvanlig store nedbørsmengder|url=http://www.tv2.no/2014/08/11/storm/tropisk-orkan/5890452|language=no}}

References

External links

[http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2014/BERTHA.shtml The National Hurricane Center's advisory archive for Hurricane Bertha]
[http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2014/BERTHA_graphics.shtml The National Hurricane Center's graphical product archive for Hurricane Bertha]

Category:2014 Atlantic hurricane season

Category:Category 1 Atlantic hurricanes

Category:Hurricanes in Europe

Category:Hurricanes in the Leeward Islands

Category:Hurricanes in the Windward Islands

Category:Hurricanes in Puerto Rico

Category:Hurricanes in the Bahamas

Category:Hurricanes in the Dominican Republic

Category:Hurricanes in the Turks and Caicos Islands

Category:August 2014 in North America

Category:Hurricanes in the United States Virgin Islands

Category:August 2014 in Europe