Franklin remains a tropical storm over the Caribbean Sea. Even though it is heading west, it will take a hard turn to the north late Monday night or early Tuesday, where it will bring heavy rainfall and gusty winds to Hispaniola and Puerto Rico.
Franklin formed on Sunday, Aug. 20, becoming the sixth named storm of the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season. While it will continue to head west over the Caribbean Sea on Monday, Franklin is forecast to make a sharp turn toward the north Monday night or early Tuesday morning.
Despite not much change in strength since developing, Franklin is still producing maximum sustained winds of 50 mph. Yet, it could gain some intensity before moving over Hispaniola and Puerto Rico by Tuesday.
Franklin is expected to bring tropical storm conditions to the Dominican Republic and Haiti on Tuesday or Wednesday.
Tropical Storm Warnings are now in effect along the southern coastline of Hispaniola, with Tropical Storm Watches in effect for the island’s northern shores.
While no tropical alerts have been issued for Puerto Rico, heavy rainfall and gusty winds will still likely impact the island as well.
After moving northeast of the Caribbean, Franklin is forecast to become a hurricane as it moves into the open Atlantic.
Regardless of development, heavy rainfall is possible over portions of the Lesser Antilles during the next couple of days.
We’re currently monitoring a few other areas with the potential to develop across the Atlantic basin, along with Tropical Storm Emily and Tropical Storm Gert.
Check here for a look at the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season so far.
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