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The second named storm of the Atlantic season was located about 145 kilometers southwest of Panama City, Florida, with maximum sustained winds of 96 km/h as it moved westward.
According to forecasts, Bertha will begin to weaken on Wednesday.
Tropical storm warnings remain in effect for parts of Florida and the state of Louisiana.
A combination of tide and storm surge will cause flooding in normally dry areas near the immediate coast, the NHC noted.
Bertha may generate five to 10 centimeters of rain, with isolated totals of more than 15 centimeters through Thursday, from western Florida to southern Louisiana, with a risk of flash flooding, especially in urban areas.
The Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30, is forecast to have below-normal intensity this year due to the return of El Niño conditions, which reduce hurricane activity in this area.
An average season has 14 named storms and seven hurricanes, including three major hurricanes.
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