Hurricane Frank Passes South of Socorro Island, Expected to Weaken
18.5N 108.7WHurricane Frank (09E) is passing south of Socorro Island. The center of the system is located near latitude 18.2 North, longitude 111.2 West.
Frank is moving toward the west-northwest near 9 mph (15 km/hr). A turn toward the northwest with a gradual decrease in forward speed is expected during the next day or so. Frank is forecast to turn northward on Saturday.
Maximum sustained winds are near 85 mph (140 km/hr) with higher gusts. Frank is a category one hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson hurricane wind scale. Gradual weakening is expected Friday followed by a more steady weakening on Saturday as frank moves over cool waters.
Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 15 miles (30 km) from the center, and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 80 miles (130 km). Estimated minimum central pressure is 980 mb (28.94 inches).