Watch CBS News

Hurricane Franklin Expected To Make Landfall In Next Several Hours

Follow CBSMIAMI.COM: Facebook | Twitter

MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Hurricane Franklin is expected to make landfall in the next several hours – accompanied by torrential rains.

At 11 p.m., the center of the system was about 100 miles east-southeast of Tuxpan, Mexico.

Franklin is moving toward the west near 13 mph, and this general motion is expected to continue during the next day or so.

On the forecast track, the center of Franklin is anticipated to cross the coast of the Mexican state of Veracruz in the next several hours.

Data from an Air Force reconnaissance plane indicate that the maximum sustained winds are near 85 mph with higher gusts.

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 35 miles (55 km) from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 150 miles. La Vigueta, Veracruz recently reported a wind gust of 45 mph.

Some fluctuations in intensity are likely before landfall, but the hurricane should weaken rapidly as it moves farther inland.

A Hurricane Warning is in effect for:

  • The coast of Mexico from Puerto de Veracruz to Cabo Rojo

A Hurricane Watch is in effect for:

  • The coast of Mexico north of Cabo Rojo to Rio Panuco

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for:

  • The coast of Mexico south of Puerto de Veracruz to Puerto Dos Bocas
  • The coast of Mexico north of Cabo Rojo to Barra del Tordo

Rainfall totals of 4 to 8 inches with isolated maximum amounts of 15 inches are possible across the Mexican states of Tabasco, northern Veracruz, northern Puebla, Tlaxacala, Hidalgo, Queretar and eastern San Luis Potosi in eastern Mexico. These rains will be capable of producing life-threatening flash floods and mudslides.

A dangerous storm surge will raise water levels by as much as 4 to 6 feet above normal tide levels along the immediate coast near and to the north of where the center makes landfall in the Hurricane Warning area.  Near the coast, the surge will be accompanied by large and destructive waves.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.