Tropical Storm Franklin’s track on its way to the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Puerto Rico

In the midst of a busy hurricane season, Tropical Storm Franklin strengthened on Monday, August 21 as it moved toward Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and Haiti.

Franklin will bring heavy rain and storm surge to the Caribbean, and could reach Category 1 hurricane strength at Sapphire Simpson by Monday or Tuesday. US National Hurricane Center.

At 5 a.m. on Monday the 21st, Franklin was located 245 miles (395 kilometers) south of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. It is moving west at 12 mph (19 km/h) with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph (85 km/h).

A tropical storm warning is in effect for the southern coast of the Dominican Republic and Haiti.

On the forecast track, Franklin’s center will reach the southern coast of Hispaniola on Tuesday or late Tuesday night, the NHC says.

Tropical storm force winds of up to 60 miles (95 km) are expected, and Franklin is expected to increase in strength as it nears the Dominican Republic.

In Puerto Rico, Franklin is expected to produce 2 to 4 inches of rainfall, with 6 inches isolated.

In Hispaniola, 15 inches of rain could fall. And a storm surge on the island can raise water levels 1 to 3 feet above ground level on the south coast.