Tropical Storm Franklin Expected to Become Hurricane, Threatening U.S. East Coast and Bermuda
Tropical Storm Franklin, currently located north of Hispaniola and east of the Turks and Caicos, is predicted to intensify into a hurricane in the southwest Atlantic this weekend. The storm is anticipated to track off the U.S. East Coast, but there is also a possibility that it may pass near or west of Bermuda early next week. Regardless of its exact path, high surf and rip currents are expected to affect parts of the U.S. East Coast.
The zig-zagging path of Franklin over the western Atlantic is expected to steer the likely hurricane away from the U.S. East Coast through a cold front. However, residents of Bermuda should closely monitor the storm as it may pass near or west of the archipelago as a hurricane early next week. Atlantic Canada is also advised to keep a close eye on Franklin, as there is uncertainty regarding whether it will sweep across parts of Nova Scotia or Newfoundland, or veer sharply out to sea and avoid these areas in the middle of next week.
For the U.S. East Coast, even though Franklin is likely to steer away, it is expected to generate high surf from North Carolina to New England early next week. This could create hazardous beach conditions, including rip currents, in various areas. The magnitude and timing of this threat are yet to be determined, so it is crucial to stay updated and exercise caution if planning a late-summer beach trip next week.
The Weather Company’s senior meteorologist, Chris Dolce, advises residents to stay informed and follow any updates. His ten-year experience with weather.com and The Weather Channel positions him as an expert in tracking and analyzing tropical storms and hurricanes.
Please note that the forecasted path of a tropical cyclone does not necessarily indicate the full extent of its impacts, as effects such as heavy rain, high surf, coastal flooding, and strong winds often spread beyond the projected trajectory.
As always, The Weather Company’s primary journalistic mission is to report on breaking weather news, increase awareness about the environment, and emphasize the importance of science in our daily lives. It is important to note that this article does not necessarily reflect the position of our parent company, IBM.
[Photo: Twitter – Chris Dolce]
Source: Chris Dolce, Senior Meteorologist, The Weather Company