Caribbean Sea: Tropical Storm Franklin tracking northward and approaching the southwestern coast of the Dominican Republic early Aug. 23 /update 4

Event

Tropical Storm Franklin is tracking northward in the Caribbean Sea early Aug. 23 and is approaching the southwest coast of the Dominican Republic. As of 05:00 EDT, the system's center of circulation was approximately 90 km (120 miles) southwest of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

Forecast models indicate that the storm will make landfall over Barahona Province in the southwestern Dominican Republic in the coming hours. The system is then forecast to weaken as it tracks north-northeastward over the Dominican Republic before entering the North Atlantic Ocean during the evening Aug. 23. The storm is subsequently likely to strengthen as it tracks northeastward and then east-northeastward across the Sargasso Sea region of the North Atlantic Ocean Aug. 24-25. Franklin is then expected to strengthen into a Category 1 hurricane as it turns sharply to track north-northwestward Aug. 26-28. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and significant changes could occur over the coming days.

As of early Aug. 23, authorities had issued the following coastal watches and warnings:

• Tropical Storm Warning: Dominican Republic's entire south coast from the Haiti border eastward to Cabo Engano, Dominican Republic's entire north coast from the Haiti border eastward to Cabo Engano, Haiti's entire south coast from Anse d'Hainault eastward to the Dominican Republic border, and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Authorities will likely issue new warnings and update existing advisories throughout the system's progression in the coming hours and days.

Tropical storm conditions are forecast in the warning area through Aug. 23 and are likely to spread northwards to the Turks and Caicos Islands late Aug. 23. Franklin is forecast to produce rainfall totals of 12.5-25 cm (5-10 inches), with locally higher amounts of up to 38 cm (15 inches), across parts of Hispaniola through Aug. 23. Rainfall totals of 2.5-5 cm (1-2 inches), with locally higher amounts of around 10 cm (4 inches), are expected across Puerto Rico through Aug. 23. Minor coastal flooding due to storm surge is possible along the coast of Hispaniola in areas of onshore winds.

Authorities in the Dominican Republic have issued red emergency alerts (the highest level on a three-tier scale) due to the storm across 24 provinces across the country as of late Aug. 22, including the National District region. Yellow alerts are in place across the remaining eight provinces of the Dominican Republic. Authorities have suspended operations at Las Americas International (SDQ), La Isabela International (JBQ), La Romana International (LRM), Cibao International (STI), Gregorio Luperon International (POP), and Samana El Catey International (AZS) airports late Aug. 22-early Aug. 23. Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) is likely to continue to operate normally. Schools and businesses across the Dominican Republic are closed through at least Aug. 24. Authorities have advised small vessel operators to remain in port along the Caribbean coast.

Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and those with easily overwhelmed drainage systems. If weather conditions prove hazardous, localized evacuations, flash flooding, and landslides are possible.

The inclement weather could trigger localized business, transport, and utility disruptions and render some bridges or roadways impassable. Flight disruptions at regional airports and temporary closures of ports are also possible. Stagnant pools of water during and after flooding may increase the incidence of insect- and waterborne diseases, such as dengue fever, cholera, and malaria. Exposure to raw sewage and other hazardous materials mixed with floodwaters poses a serious health threat.

Advice

Activate contingency plans in areas where officials forecast tropical storm conditions. Heed any evacuation orders that may be issued. Use extreme caution in low-lying coastal areas and near streams, creeks, and other waterways due to the potential for severe flooding and storm surge. Stockpile water, batteries, and other essentials in advance. Charge battery-powered devices when electricity is available; restrict the use of cellular phones to emergencies only. Power down mobile devices when not in use. Keep important documents and necessary medications in waterproof containers. Observe strict food and water precautions, as municipalities could issue boil-water advisories following flooding events. Take precautions against insect- and waterborne diseases in the coming weeks.

Plan accordingly for protracted commercial, transport, and logistics disruptions in areas in the path of the storm, especially if vital infrastructure is damaged. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where flooding has occurred. Confirm flights before checking out of hotels or driving to the airport; clearing passenger backlogs may take several days in some locations.

Resources

US National Hurricane Center