Tropical Storm Franklin gained strength overnight as it continues a projected path toward Mexico, as it could be near hurricane strength when it hits.
The National Hurricane Center in Miami reported at 5 a.m. that Franklin's top winds already strengthened to 45 mph in the northwestern Caribbean, where it's moving west-northwest at 13 mph off the coast of Honduras.
It was expected to hold that course, making landfall at the Yucatan Monday evening, then crossing over the Gulf Tuesday on a path to central Mexico. A Hurricane Watch is in effect for the coast of Mexico from Chetumal to Punta Allen, and with tropical-storm-force winds extending up to 140 miles from the center, Belize could feel the effects by late afternoon.
Stick with NBC 6 and be sure to download the NBC 6 News and Weather App to keep track of Tropical Storm Franklin.
