FIRST ALERT: Franklin expected to become a hurricane over the weekend

MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF) - Tropical Storm Franklin is expected to become a hurricane over the weekend.

TROPICAL STORM FRANKLIN

Franklin was beginning to move off the north coast of Hispaniola Wednesday afternoon. Winds are currently sustained at 40 mph as the storm continues northward.

Franklin is now moving off the coast of Hispaniola — Franklin is now moving off the coast of Hispaniola(WMBF)

Franklin is expected to continue northward through the remainder of the week. As it moves away from Hispaniola, conditions will turn more favorable for strengthening. Franklin is expected to reach hurricane strength by Saturday afternoon.

Despite a bend back towards the west, Franklin won’t pose any threat to the Carolinas, passing several hundred miles to our east. Franklin will continue to strengthen and may become a major hurricane early next week as it approaches Bermuda. Rough surf and an increased rip current threat may arrive locally early next week.

Franklin is expected to become a hurricane over the weekend — Franklin is expected to become a hurricane over the weekend(WMBF)

CHANCES OF DEVELOPMENT

An area of low pressure centered in the open Atlantic (the remnants of former Tropical Storm Emily) is producing a large area of disorganized thunderstorms. Upper-level winds are forecast to become more conducive for development later this week, and this system could regenerate into a tropical depression or tropical storm. The chance of development is at 70%.

The remnants of Emily may redevelop in the open Atlantic — The remnants of Emily may redevelop in the open Atlantic(WMBF)

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