21 Aug 2023 | 02:49 AM UTC
Caribbean Sea: Tropical Storm Franklin tracking west-northwestward as of late Aug. 20
Tropical Storm Franklin tracking west-northwestward in Caribbean Sea as of late Aug. 20. Landfall forecast over Dominican Republic Aug. 22.
Event
Tropical Storm Franklin is tracking west-northwestward in the Caribbean Sea late Aug. 20. As of 20:00 AST, the system's center of circulation was approximately 385 km (240 miles) south-southeast of Isla Saona, Dominican Republic.
Forecast models indicate that the storm will strengthen slightly as it tracks west-northwestward and then northward in the Caribbean Sea through early Aug. 22 before making landfall over the Dominican Republic's Pedernales Province later that evening. The system is then forecast to pass over Hispaniola as a tropical storm and then track into the Atlantic Ocean Aug. 23. The storm is subsequently likely to strengthen into a Category 1 hurricane in the Atlantic Ocean while tracking northeastward away from land through Aug. 25. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and significant changes could occur over the coming days.
As of late Aug. 20, authorities had issued the following coastal watches and warnings:
Tropical Storm Watch: Southern coasts of Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
Authorities will likely issue new warnings and update existing advisories throughout the system's progression in the coming hours and days.
Tropical storm conditions may impact the areas subject to the watch as early as late Aug. 22. Franklin is forecast to produce rainfall totals of 5-10 cm (2-4 inches), with locally higher amounts of 15 cm (6 inches), across Puerto Rico through Aug. 23. Rainfall totaling 10-20 cm (4-8 inches), with isolated maximum rainfall totals of 30 cm (12 inches), is also forecast in parts of Hispaniola. The storm may bring hazardous waves to the southern coasts of Haiti and the Dominican Republic over the coming days.
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.
