MIDWAY, FL (WTXL)-- Franklin weakened to a Tropical Storm early this morning after making landfall in eastern Mexico. There are not currently any disturbances anticipated to have a local impact; however, a disorganized area over the Bahamas and Invest 99L in the Atlantic are being monitored closely.
Tropical Storm Franklin, located South of Tuxpan, has 70 mph winds. As the storm continues on a westward track at 15 mph, it will encounter mountainous terrain and weaken. Franklin is expected to dissipate by early Friday, but it will likely bring 4 to 8 inches of rain, gusty winds and a large surge.
A small area of low pressure situated over the Bahamas is causing weak convection. The system is only given a 10% chance of tropical development over the next 5 days. Regardless, it will provide heavy rains for parts of Florida and the Bahamas today and into tomorrow.
Invest 99L is still being watched, but at this point in time the odds of development are fairly low. It is producing storms 250 miles northeast of the Leeward Islands. As 99L travels northwest across the Atlantic, the system has a 40% chance of becoming a depression over the next 5 days.
Updates will be provided here and on our social media pages:
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You can catch the forecast on WTXL Sunrise starting at 5:00, as well as WTXL Midday at Noon. Chief Meteorologist Casanova Nurse has your forecast at 5:00, 5:30, 6:00, and 11:00 this evening.
Plus, you can get the Storm Team Forecast every 10 minutes on Channel 27.3 Weather NOW.
-- Storm Team Meteorologist Valerie Mills
