Hurricane Franklin And Idalia Menace Atlantic Region: Hurricane Franklin, a Category 4 storm, may impact Bermuda and have secondary effects on the US East Coast. Hurricane Idalia will impact Florida later this week. Both storms are unusually active for this point in the Atlantic hurricane season, which is at its peak on September 10.
On Monday, Franklin became the first major hurricane of the season in the Atlantic basin. It rapidly became a Cat 4 storm. Despite the storm’s center passing northwest of Bermuda, the island nation will still face strong winds, rough waves, and dangerous swells. AccuWeather predicts 4060 mph wind gusts in Bermuda, with a Local Storm MaxTM of 75 mph. While Franklin won’t directly hit the U.S., the East Coast may experience rough surf and strong rip currents, particularly from Tuesday to Wednesday.
AccuWeather’s Buckingham warned of hazardous swimming conditions. He also mentioned beach closures. Franklin could worsen flooding in Charleston Harbor, SC and Miami Beach, FL due to their vulnerability to high tides.
Franklin reached Category 3 at 5 a.m. EDT on Monday and upgraded to Category 4 later that day. Satellite images show a clear eye, indicating Franklin’s increasing strength. AccuWeather predicts Franklin will maintain strength through Tuesday, but it is expected to weaken by Tuesday afternoon as it moves away from warm water and reduced wind shear.
Franklin churns near Bermuda, while Hurricane Idalia worries Florida, especially Tampa. Governor DeSantis and President Biden declared a state of emergency. There are hurricane and weather threats for around 14 million people, with counties planning evacuations and school closures.
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Meteorologists study storms beyond Idalia and Franklin. By week’s end, two additional tropical storms may form in the eastern Atlantic. This is a busy time of the hurricane season.
On Saturday morning, Franklin became the second storm of the Atlantic season. The first one, Don, arrived in July. Over the weekend, signs showed the storm was intensifying. On Sundays, satellite images occasionally showed an eye-shaped form.
Hurricane numbers are increasing due to the upcoming peak of the Atlantic storm season. With September 10 approaching in two weeks, more storms may likely form. This highlights the need for coastal residents to remain vigilant and prepared for inclement weather.
Residents and tourists on the East Coast of the US are advised to heed weather warnings and reconsider swimming due to expected hazardous conditions. Authorities in Florida and Bermuda are taking precautions, highlighting the severity of these storms.
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