Tropical Storm Bertha moves along the Gulf Coast but damage is expected to be limited

"El Niño's Mixed Blessing: Storm Damage May Be Limited, But Atlantic Warmth Raises Concerns A potentially devastating hurricane season may not be as catastrophic as feared, thanks to the El Niño weather pattern. The phenomenon is expected to counter the worst effects of storm damage, bringing drier and cooler conditions to some areas. However, a concerning trend of unusually warm waters in the Atlantic Ocean raises the risk of destructive storms. Experts warn that while El Niño may mitigate some damage, the unusual warmth in the Atlantic could still lead to intense and destructive weather events. As hurricane season approaches, residents in storm-prone areas are bracing for the possibility of severe weather, despite the somewhat tempered forecast."

Storm damage is expected to be limited because the El Niño weather pattern will counter its worst effects. But unusually warm waters in the Atlantic means the risk of destructive storms is still high.