Franklin strengthens to a Category 3 hurricane
In the latest updates from the US National Hurricane Centre (NHC), Hurricane Franklin has intensified into a major Category 3 storm, marking it as the first major hurricane of this year.
Franklin’s intensity
Reports are that on Sunday, Franklin strengthened and was upgraded from a Category 1 hurricane into a Category 2 hurricane, with winds blowing at 100 miles per hour.
It is reported on Monday that Franklin has sustained winds nearing 115 mph (185 km/h). Projections from the NHC indicate further intensification throughout the day, with an anticipated decline in strength by Tuesday afternoon.
Bermuda on high alert
As of 5am on Monday, Franklin was located 810 km southwest of Bermuda.
Residents and stakeholders in Bermuda are strongly advised to monitor the hurricane’s progress closely, as storm advisories pertaining to the island are imminent.
Read more on Hurricane Franklin and Bermuda
Bermudians called to stay alert as hurricane season intensifies
Aftermath in the Dominican Republic
Franklin’s development began last week in the waters of the Caribbean Sea, emerging as a tropical storm south of Hispaniola.
The force of Franklin has already made its presence felt, with consequential flash flooding in the Dominican Republic.
This deluge has resulted in the loss of at least two lives.
Additionally, The Associated Press has highlighted the havoc wreaked by the storm: over 670 homes impacted, and a total of 24 communities isolated due to the relentless rainfall.
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