Amidst this 2023's hurricane season, yet another powerful storm brews in the Atlantic - Hurricane Franklin. Although the Category 4 hurricane is projected to avoid making landfall in New England, the coastlines are not to be completely spared from it. As the storm churns hundreds of miles southeast of the region, New England braces itself for high surf, perilous rip currents, and even potential thunderstorms over the coming days.
According to NBC Boston, Hurricane Franklin is forecasted to miss New England by hundreds of miles. Instead, it will hurl swelling waves across the Western Atlantic at a staggering height of six to ten feet. Southern coastlines, such as Massachusetts' South Coast, are predicted to experience a sudden increase in wave heights, from four feet by Tuesday's end to six to ten feet by Wednesday.
As Hurricane Franklin surges in the distance, ominous clouds gather closer to home. A report from CBS News Boston suggests that increasing humidity levels and showers will peak on Wednesday, with a few locally strong to damaging storms expected around midday and into early afternoon. The evident risk of lightning, heavy rain, and isolated damaging wind necessitates cautionary measures by residents and those fortunate enough to be on vacation in the area.
Adding to the chaos, Hurricane Franklin is not alone in its thunderous procession across the Atlantic. Tropical Storm Idalia, currently tracking towards Florida, is predicted to strengthen rapidly into a hurricane, according to Boston Herald. Florida and the Southeastern U.S. are bracing for impact, with the expectation of a major Category 3 hurricane landfall by Wednesday morning.
The notable increase in waves and rip currents will undoubtedly deter beachgoers from venturing into the water; however, the weekend ahead, particularly the Labor Day holiday, is forecasted to be predominantly sunny, with daytime temperatures climbing back into the 80s. Moreover, the likelihood of an isolated storm on Labor Day has been significantly reduced, as NBC Boston reported.
