Tropical Storm Franklin is posing a threat to Haiti and the Dominican Republic, while another storm named Harold has weakened. As Harold continues to weaken after hitting the south Texas coast, forecasters are closely monitoring Tropical Storm Franklin in the Caribbean, as well as two other systems in the Atlantic Ocean.
In the Atlantic, one of the systems was known as Tropical Storm Emily earlier this week, while the second one is moving towards the west-northwest off the Cabo Verde Islands. Tropical Storm Gert has already weakened into a post-tropical remnant.
Tropical Storm Franklin is expected to veer north towards Haiti and the Dominican Republic, leading to tropical storm warnings being issued for the entire southern coasts of these countries. The National Hurricane Center has also warned of potential life-threatening flooding in these areas until Wednesday. Once Franklin is back over water, it could potentially become the second hurricane of the Atlantic season.
However, it should be noted that none of these systems are currently projected to head towards Florida.
On the other hand, Tropical Storm Harold made landfall on Padre Island in Texas as a tropical storm, but has since been downgraded to a depression. With winds reaching 50 mph, Harold caused heavy rain and tropical-storm-force winds along the Texas and Mexico coastlines.
By Tuesday evening, Harold had moved inland and was situated 15 miles east of Laredo. It was moving at a speed of 21 mph in a northwesterly direction, carrying the potential for flash flooding and possible tornadoes.
Although the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration measured gusts of 59 mph at Padre Island, the hurricane center discontinued any tropical storm warnings and watches as of 5 p.m.
Harold is expected to weaken further as it moves inland over rugged terrain on Wednesday. Nonetheless, heavy rains are still forecasted across South Texas and parts of Mexico until early Wednesday. Rainfall amounts ranging from 3 to 7 inches are anticipated in various areas.
In conclusion, while Harold weakens over Texas, Tropical Storm Franklin threatens Haiti and the Dominican Republic, with the potential to become a hurricane. The situation in the Atlantic and the Caribbean warrants continuous tracking and vigilance.
