31 Aug 2023 | 04:02 AM UTC
North Atlantic Ocean: Hurricane Franklin tracking east-northeast north of Bermuda late Aug. 30
Hurricane Franklin tracking east-northeast in the North Atlantic Ocean late Aug. 30. Close approach to Bermuda through early Aug. 31.
Event
Hurricane Franklin is tracking east-northeast in the North Atlantic Ocean, north of Bermuda, late Aug. 30. As of 23:00 EDT, the system's center of circulation was approximately 255 km (160 miles) north of Bermuda.
Forecast models indicate that the storm will continue to track east-northeast and begin to move away from Bermuda through Aug. 31. The weather system will weaken into a Category 1 hurricane by the afternoon of Aug. 31 and pass well southeast of Newfoundland Island, Canada, Sept. 1-2. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and changes could occur over the coming days.
As of late Aug. 30, authorities had issued the following coastal watches and warnings:
Tropical Storm Warning: Bermuda
Authorities will likely issue new warnings and update existing advisories throughout the system's progression in the coming hours and days.
Life-threatening surf and rip currents generated by Franklin are forecast to continue over Bermuda and the eastern US coast over the coming days. Bermuda is currently experiencing tropical storm-force winds.
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.
