Tropical Storm Franklin has re-emerged off the coast of Hispaniola into the western Atlantic Ocean, and is expected to become a hurricane in a few days.

As of 8:00 p.m. EDT, Tropical Storm Franklin was centered near 20.6°N 70.5°W, and was moving north-northeastward at approximately 13 mph. Maximum sustained winds were 35 knots (40 mph), with an estimated minimum pressure of 1004 mb. An Air Force Hurricane Hunter aircraft is currently investigating Franklin, and actually found that Franklin’s low-level circulation center is better defined than yesterday despite the land interaction with Hispaniola. Franklin is expected to turn more to the east-northeast tonight, and then back to the north-northwest on Saturday. Since it appears as if Franklin’s low-level structure was not significantly disrupted, intensification appears likely over the coming days. The SHIPS model is suggesting wind shear will remain fairly strong for the next 48 hours or so, which should prevent any rapid intensification in the short term. By the weekend, shear is expected to drop while Franklin remains over warm waters, and significant intensification appears likely. The current National Hurricane Center (NHC) forecast calls for Franklin to attain Category 2 intensity by Sunday. At the moment, it appears likely that Franklin will pass west of Bermuda, but interests in the island should keep a close eye on Franklin in case the forecast changes. Impacts to the continental United States aside from rough surf appear unlikely at this time, but models suggest that interests in Atlantic Canada should keep a close eye on Franklin being a potential threat in the long range. Regardless, it remains too soon to discuss potential impacts to Canada with Franklin.