ZCZC MIATCDAT2 ALL TTAA00 KNHC DDHHMM Hurricane Franklin Discussion Number 14 NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL AL072017 1000 PM CDT Wed Aug 09 2017 Satellite images show some increase in organization of the cloud pattern with very deep convection near the center and outflow in all quadrants, suggesting that the cyclone is strengthening. An eye has not been depicted in conventional imagery, but it was noted in earlier microwave data. Intensification was confirmed by an Air Force plane which reported an earlier peak of 89 kt at flight level and a recent peak of 80 kt measured by the SFMR. The flight level winds were lower in the most recent leg. The minimum pressure was near 981 mb near 0000 UTC, but then rose to 985 mb by 0200 UTC. Based on reports from the plane, the initial intensity has been set at 75 kt. There is an opportunity for Franklin to pick up a little more strength or fluctuate in intensity before landfall tonight or early Thursday. Once the hurricane moves inland over the high terrain, rapid weakening should begin. Regardless of weakening, the cyclone will likely bring torrential rains with flash flooding and mud slides along its path. Franklin is moving toward the west or 270 degrees at 11 kt. The hurricane is trapped within the easterly flow around a strong high pressure system over Mexico and the southwestern United States. This pattern will force Franklin to move on the same general westward track toward the coast of Mexico and then inland until dissipation. FORECAST POSITIONS AND MAX WINDS INIT 10/0300Z 20.2N 96.1W 75 KT 85 MPH 12H 10/1200Z 20.0N 98.0W 35 KT 40 MPH...INLAND 24H 11/0000Z 19.5N 102.0W 25 KT 30 MPH...INLAND 36H 11/1200Z...DISSIPATED $$ Forecaster Avila NNNN