The Atlantic currently has simultaneously active hurricanes for the first time of the season. Hurricane Franklin is gradually beginning to weaken over the western subtropical Atlantic, while Hurricane Idalia is expected to strengthen into a major hurricane before making landfall in northwestern Florida around 8:00 a.m. tomorrow morning.

As of 5:00 p.m. EDT Tuesday, Hurricane Franklin was centered near 31.4°N 69.9°W, and was moving eastward at about 12 mph. Maximum sustained winds were 110 knots (125 mph), with an estimated minimum pressure of 947 mb. Franklin has begun to weaken as it has completed an eyewall replacement cycle, and now has a large eye structure. Franklin is moving over cooler waters, and gradual weakening should continue for the next few days before extratropical transition occurs late this week. A Tropical Storm Watch remains in effect for Bermuda, though the core of the hurricane is expected to pass to the north of the island.

As of 5:00 p.m. EDT Tuesday, Hurricane Idalia was centered near 26.1°N 84.8°W, and was moving northward at about 16 mph. Maximum sustained winds were 85 knots (100 mph), with an estimated minimum pressure of 972 mb. This makes Idalia a Category 2 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale, and additional intensification is expected before the hurricane makes landfall near the Big Bend region of Florida tomorrow morning. Preparations should be rushed to completion, as Idalia is expected to be a major hurricane at landfall. Intensification today has been gradual, but hurricane models suggest the pressure should start falling quickly tonight and winds should catch up tomorrow morning. The center of Idalia is expected to remain close to the United States east coast, and move back offshore on Thursday. A storm surge as high as 12-15 feet is expected along Florida’s Big Bend region. For complete information on impacts, check your local National Weather Service office or the National Hurricane Center.