Franklin dissipates in Mexico after making landfall as a hurricane
After making its second landfall in Mexico as a hurricane, Franklin will push inland with the risk of life-threatening flooding and mudslides through Thursday.
Franklin formed over the western Caribbean Sea on Sunday and made its first landfall near Pulticub, Mexico, with 97-km/h (60-mph) winds at approximately 11:45 p.m. EDT on Monday. After emerging in the Bay of Campeche, Franklin later strengthened to the Atlantic Basin's first hurricane of 2017 on Wednesday.
Franklin made its second landfall as a Category 1 hurricane near the town of Lechuguillas in the Mexican state of Veracruz early Thursday morning. The system later weakened to a tropical storm before dissipating around 10 a.m. EDT Thursday.
Franklin will continue to rapidly weaken as it pushes inland. However, torrential rainfall will produce flooding and mudslides and continue to pose significant risk to lives and property through Thursday.
"Rainfall amounts of 230-460 mm (8-16 inches) are likely over northern Veracruz, southern Tamaulipas, San Luis Potosi and northeastern Hidalgo from late Wednesday afternoon through at least Thursday night," according to AccuWeather Meteorologist Kyle Brown.
Local amounts to 580 mm (20 inches) are possible.
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In addition to flooding and mudslides, coastal areas in the vicinity where Franklin moved ashore may also continue to experience tree and property damage. The power could be out for an extended period in some communities.
Wind gusts of 135 km/h (near 80 mph) are possible in coastal regions of northern Veracruz, with sustained winds of 80-113 km/h (50-70 mph).
As the storm drifts inland and weakens, its leftover moisture will be squeezed out of the atmosphere like a sponge along the steep eastern slopes of the Sierra Madre Oriental. As a result, the risk of life-threatening flooding and mudslides will continue into the end of the week.
There is the potential for isolated flooding as far west as Mexico City.
Rain directly associated with Franklin will stay south of Texas. However, rough surf and the risk of strong rip currents will reach as far north as the Texas beaches into Thursday evening.
The weather has improved across the Yucatan Peninsula for cleanup operations in the wake of Franklin.
Campeche, Mexico, received 6.26 inches (159 mm) of rain in a 24-hour period spanning Monday night to Tuesday night.
Meanwhile, downpours from a non-tropical system will drench the Bahamas and part of the Florida Peninsula on Thursday.
In addition, a tropical depression or storm may form near the Bahamas this weekend. If this happens, then the storm may approach U.S Atlantic coast waters with building seas, rough surf and possible heavy rain early next week.
