...FRANKLIN STRENGTHENS INTO A HURRICANE..
WS National Hurricane Center Miami FL AL082023
1100 AM AST Sat Aug 26 2023
SUMMARY OF 1100 AM AST...1500 UTC...INFORMATION
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LOCATION...23.5N 66.7W
ABOUT 315 MI...505 KM ENE OF GRAND TURK ISLAND
ABOUT 620 MI...995 KM S OF BERMUDA
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...75 MPH...120 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT...NNW OR 345 DEGREES AT 7 MPH...11 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...989 MB...29.21 INCHES
WATCHES AND WARNINGS
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There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect.
DISCUSSION AND OUTLOOK
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At 1100 AM AST (1500 UTC), the center of Hurricane Franklin was located near latitude 23.5 North, longitude 66.7 West. Franklin is moving toward the north-northwest near 7 mph (11 km/h) and a northward to north-northwestward motion is expected over the western Atlantic through early next week.
Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 75 mph (120 km/h) with higher gusts. Steady strengthening is forecast, and Franklin could become a major hurricane early next week.
Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 10 miles (20 km) from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 140 miles (220 km).
The estimated minimum central pressure is 989 mb based on data from aircraft reconnaissance. (29.21 inches).
HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND
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SURF: Swells generated by Franklin are expected to begin affecting Bermuda by Sunday night. These swells are also likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions late this weekend into early next week along portions of the east coast of the United States. Please consult products from your local weather office.
Forecaster Kelly/Pasch
