Franklin rapidly intensifies into a Category 4 hurricane; TS Idalia expected to hit northwestern Florida as a major hurricane
The Atlantic basin is very active today, with Hurricane Franklin becoming the first major hurricane of the season early this morning and Tropical Storm Idalia nearing hurricane strength near the western tip of Cuba. As of 5:00 p.m. EDT, Hurricane Franklin was centered near 28.5°N 71.0°W, and was moving northward at about 9 mph. Maximum sustained winds were 125 knots (145 mph), with an estimated minimum pressure of 937 mb. This makes Franklin a Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson…