ZCZC MIATCPAT3 ALL TTAA00 KNHC DDHHMM BULLETIN Hurricane Franklin Advisory Number 31 NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL AL082023 500 AM EDT Mon Aug 28 2023 ...FRANKLIN BECOMES THE FIRST MAJOR HURRICANE OF THE 2023 ATLANTIC HURRICANE SEASON... SUMMARY OF 500 AM EDT...0900 UTC...INFORMATION ---------------------------------------------- LOCATION...27.2N 70.8W ABOUT 395 MI...635 KM N OF GRAND TURK ISLAND ABOUT 505 MI...810 KM SW OF BERMUDA MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...115 MPH...185 KM/H PRESENT MOVEMENT...NNW OR 335 DEGREES AT 8 MPH...13 KM/H MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...956 MB...28.23 INCHES WATCHES AND WARNINGS -------------------- There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect. Interests in Bermuda should monitor the progress of this system. Watches will likely be required for Bermuda later today. DISCUSSION AND OUTLOOK ---------------------- At 500 AM EDT (0900 UTC), the center of Hurricane Franklin was located near latitude 27.2 North, longitude 70.8 West. Franklin is moving toward the north-northwest near 8 mph (13 km/h). A gradual turn toward the north and north-northeast with a slightly faster forward speed is expected during the next couple of days. Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 115 mph (185 km/h) with higher gusts. This makes Franklin a category 3 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Some additional strengthening is forecast today, but gradual weakening is expected to begin by Tuesday afternoon. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 30 miles (45 km) from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 150 miles (240 km). The estimated minimum central pressure is 956 mb (28.23 inches). HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND ---------------------- SURF: Swells generated by Franklin are beginning to affect Bermuda. These swells are expected to spread toward the east coast of the United States during the next couple of days, likely resulting in life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. Please consult products from your local weather office. NEXT ADVISORY ------------- Next complete advisory at 1100 AM EDT. $$ Forecaster Papin NNNN