Sargasso Sea: Tropical Storm Franklin tracking north-northeastward away from the Dominican Republic late Aug. 23 /update 5

Event

Tropical Storm Franklin is tracking north-northeastward in the Sargasso Sea, away from the Dominican Republic late Aug. 23. As of 23:00 EDT, the system's center of circulation was approximately 80 km (50 miles) east-southeast of Grand Turk Island, Turks and Caicos Islands.

Forecast models indicate that the storm will strengthen as it tracks northeastward across the Sargasso Sea region of the North Atlantic Ocean Aug. 24-25. Franklin is then expected to strengthen into a Category 2 hurricane as it turns sharply to track north-northwestward Aug. 26-28 and makes a close approach to Bermuda late Aug. 28, passing west of the island. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and significant changes could occur over the coming days.

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

• Tropical Storm Warning: Dominican Republic's south coast from Punta Palenque eastward to Cabo Engano, Dominican Republic's entire north coast from the Haiti border eastward to Cabo Engano, 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 to persist over portions of the Dominican Republic and Turks and Caicos Islands through early Aug. 24. Franklin is forecast to produce rainfall of 2.5-7.5 cm (1-3 inches) across Hispaniola and the Turks and Caicos Islands and rainfall of up to 2.5 cm (1 inch) over Puerto Rico through Aug. 24.

Authorities in the Dominican Republic have confirmed one fatality in San Cristobal City due to floodwaters and two others injured due to a landslide in the city. One person remains missing Aug. 23. More than 350 people remain in emergency shelters across the Dominican Republic. Authorities evacuated another 280 people due to dangerous conditions. Heavy rains damaged more than 500 homes and affected more than 2,500 roads, cutting off at least six communities. As of Aug. 23, more than 346,000 customers are without power, and more than 1,600,000 people are without potable water.

Authorities are maintaining red emergency alerts (the highest level on a three-tier scale) due to the storm across 25 provinces across the country, including the National District region, as of late Aug. 23. Yellow alerts are in place across the remaining eight provinces of the Dominican Republic. Around 37 flights across the country were canceled or delayed Aug. 22-23; airports resumed operations early Aug. 23. Lingering flight disruptions are possible as airlines work to clear backlogs. Schools and businesses across the Dominican Republic are closed through at least Aug. 24.

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