Tropical Storm Franklin formed in the eastern Atlantic Basin on Sunday evening. Franklin is expected to affect Hispaniola as it is pulled to the north-northeast midweek due to high pressure steering currents. Franklin makes 6y Named this year’s storm and the third development of a depression and/or storm just this weekend. With the current activity in the Atlantic Ocean, it may be possible to see another depression or named system this week. Although the Atlantic basin is becoming increasingly active, which is to be expected this time of year, there are no current threats to Florida at this time.
Tropical Storm Franklin has sustained winds of 40 mph and is tracking west-northwest at 14 mph. Franklin is expected to strengthen steadily during the week as it turns to the north and then the northeast. This storm is expected to bring tropical storm conditions to parts of Hispaniola by the middle of the week. Franklin could gain strength as it returns to the Atlantic and become a hurricane. Fortunately for Southwest Florida, this storm will not affect us.
Aside from Franklin, we’re also tracking Tropical Storm Emily and Tropical Depression 6 in the Atlantic Ocean. These two systems do not have a positive outlook due to the high shear and some dry air. Tropical Depression 6 is only expected to last less than 24 hours as high shear tears the system apart. Meanwhile, Emily will last a few more days but is expected to become post-tropical in the next couple of days due to those unfavorable conditions. Therefore, these systems will not affect the Earth.
Outside of tropical depressions and storms, there are two other areas we’re watching. One is located off the coast of Africa and has moderate chances of developing into a tropical depression or storm in the next seven days. The National Hurricane Center has a development odds of 60%. This system is more than 3,800 miles from Florida; So, we are still in the phase of monitoring and updating as it evolves.
Closer to home, a disturbance off Florida’s southwest coast has a 60 percent chance of developing as it moves toward the western Gulf. The disturbance is tracking west away from Florida and will run through the Gulf of Mexico over the next two days, heading toward Texas and Mexico. This wave has increased the chances of rain this weekend and caused a breeze to blow across our region. However, this is the only impact South Florida will see. This could become a short-lived tropical depression or storm in the Gulf early this week. The next name on the list is Gert.
Count on the NBC2 First Alert Hurricane Team to be the first to update you on any potential tropical developments and brush up on your tropical weather knowledge by visiting the NBC2 Hurricane Guide + here.
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