Hurricane Franklin Strengthens and Continues Path Towards Bermuda and East Coast

Hurricane Franklin is rapidly intensifying as it moves across the Atlantic Ocean, with forecasters predicting it will become the season’s first major hurricane. The storm is expected to strengthen into a Category 3 hurricane by Monday and will pass several hundred miles off the mid-Atlantic coast. While Franklin is not forecast to make landfall in the U.S., the Southeast and mid-Atlantic coasts could experience big swells and rip currents through the Labor Day weekend.

Currently located about 565 miles south-southwest of Bermuda, Hurricane Franklin is moving to the north-northwest at 8 mph with maximum sustained winds of 100 mph. The track from the National Hurricane Center shows the storm moving between the East Coast and Bermuda this week. The government of Bermuda is urging residents to stay alert and monitor weather updates.

Although the U.S. mainland is not expected to be directly affected by Hurricane Franklin, the Eastern Seaboard will experience big swells and dangerous rip currents. Waves off the coast of North Carolina could reach 9 to 12 feet by Wednesday morning. However, the strongest waves are expected to subside by Labor Day weekend. Beach erosion may occur if the storm passes too close to the coast.

Lucas Bocanegra, Miami Beach Ocean Rescue Lieutenant, advises swimmers to go to beaches with lifeguards, follow warning signs, and move parallel to the shore if caught in a rip current.

Overall, the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season is expected to be near-average, with up to 17 named storms, according to NOAA. Hurricane Franklin is one of several systems being tracked in the active Atlantic.

What measures are being taken to ensure the safety of residents and tourists along the Southeast and mid-Atlantic coasts during Hurricane Franklin?

Hurricane Franklin Gaining Strength, Expected to Become Season’s First Major Hurricane

In the midst of its rapid intensification, Hurricane Franklin is set to become the first major hurricane of the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season. Forecasters predict that the storm will reach Category 3 status by Monday, as it makes its way across the Atlantic Ocean. While landfall in the U.S. is unlikely, the Southeast and mid-Atlantic coasts may experience significant swells and rip currents throughout the Labor Day weekend.

Currently positioned approximately 565 miles south-southwest of Bermuda, Hurricane Franklin is moving towards the north-northwest at a speed of 8 mph. It boasts maximum sustained winds of 100 mph. According to the National Hurricane Center, the storm is expected to navigate between the East Coast and Bermuda in the coming days. The government of Bermuda is urging its residents to remain vigilant and stay updated on any weather developments.

While the U.S. mainland is not predicted to face direct impact, the Eastern Seaboard should prepare for substantial swells and potentially dangerous rip currents. By Wednesday morning, waves off the coast of North Carolina could reach heights of 9 to 12 feet. However, experts project that the strongest waves will dissipate before the start of the Labor Day weekend. If the storm comes too close to the coast, beach erosion may occur.

To ensure safety, Lucas Bocanegra, a Lieutenant with Miami Beach Ocean Rescue, advises beachgoers to visit beaches with lifeguards, pay attention to warning signs, and swim parallel to the shore if caught in a rip current.

Overall, the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season is anticipated to be relatively average, with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasting up to 17 named storms. Hurricane Franklin is just one of multiple weather systems being closely monitored in the active Atlantic.