Waves break over the sea wall ahead of Hurricane Franklin in Veracruz, Mexico, August 9, 2017. REUTERS/Victor Yanez

VERACRUZ, Mexico (Reuters) - Storm Franklin, now a Category 1 hurricane, is set to crash into eastern Mexico’s key oil-producing Gulf state of Veracruz as the Atlantic’s first hurricane of 2017, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said on Wednesday.

On Wednesday afternoon, the storm was located about 105 miles (170 km) northeast of Veracruz and was blowing maximum sustained winds of 75 mph (120 kph), the center said. The storm is moving west at 12 mph (19 kph) and its center is expected to reach Veracruz on Wednesday evening or Thursday morning.

Franklin is seen weakening rapidly after making landfall, the NHC said.

Veracruz, a major oil producer, is home to two important petroleum ports in Tuxpan and the city of Veracruz.

Across Veracruz state’s northern border is the Ciudad Madero refinery, capable of handling up to 190,000 barrels per day. The plant is on the periphery of the storm’s possible path.</s>About this product:

This graphic shows an approximate representation of coastal areas under a hurricane warning (red), hurricane watch (pink), tropical storm warning (blue) and tropical storm watch (yellow). The orange circle indicates the current position of the center of the tropical cyclone. The black line and dots show the National Hurricane Center (NHC) forecast track of the center at the times indicated. The dot indicating the forecast center location will be black if the cyclone is forecast to be tropical and will be white with a black outline if the cyclone is forecast to be extratropical. If only an L is displayed, then the system is forecast to be a remnant low. The letter inside the dot indicates the NHC's forecast intensity for that time:



D: Tropical Depression – wind speed less than 39 MPH

S: Tropical Storm – wind speed between 39 MPH and 73 MPH

H: Hurricane – wind speed between 74 MPH and 110 MPH

M: Major Hurricane – wind speed greater than 110 MPH



NHC tropical cyclone forecast tracks can be in error. This forecast uncertainty is conveyed by the track forecast "cone", the solid white and stippled white areas in the graphic. The solid white area depicts the track forecast uncertainty for days 1-3 of the forecast, while the stippled area depicts the uncertainty on days 4-5. Historical data indicate that the entire 5-day path of the center of the tropical cyclone will remain within the cone about 60-70% of the time. To form the cone, a set of imaginary circles are placed along the forecast track at the 12, 24, 36, 48, 72, 96, and 120 h positions, where the size of each circle is set so that it encloses 67% of the previous five years official forecast errors. The cone is then formed by smoothly connecting the area swept out by the set of circles.

It is also important to realize that a tropical cyclone is not a point. Their effects can span many hundreds of miles from the center. The area experiencing hurricane force (one-minute average wind speeds of at least 74 mph) and tropical storm force (one-minute average wind speeds of 39-73 mph) winds can extend well beyond the white areas shown enclosing the most likely track area of the center. The distribution of hurricane and tropical storm force winds in this tropical cyclone can be seen in the Wind History graphic linked above.

Considering the combined forecast uncertainties in track, intensity, and size, the chances that any particular location will experience winds of 34 kt (tropical storm force), 50 kt, or 64 kt (hurricane force) from this tropical cyclone are presented in tabular form for selected locations and forecast positions. This information is also presented in graphical form for the 34 kt, 50 kt, and 64 kt thresholds.

Note: A detailed definition of the NHC track forecast cone is also available.</s>Tropical Storm Franklin gained strength Wednesday to become a Category 1 hurricane — with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph.

The first Atlantic hurricane of the season, the powerful storm is expected to make landfall Wednesday night in the Mexican state of Veracruz, according to the National Hurricane Center.

It was in the Bay of Campeche, in the far southern Gulf of Mexico, when it was classified as a hurricane Wednesday afternoon.

While still a tropical storm on Monday night, Franklin made landfall on the eastern coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, the center said. The storm battered Belize and the Yucatan Peninsula with heavy rain and strong winds.

The hurricane is moving west. It is expected to strengthen as it crosses the coast, but will then “rapidly weaken” after making landfall in Mexico, according to the center’s advisory.

The hurricane center said hurricane-force winds extended up to 35 miles from the center of the storm and tropical storm-force winds extended up to 140 miles.

A hurricane warning has been in effect for the coast of Mexico from Puerto de Veracruz to Cabo Rojo and a hurricane watch is in effect for the coast of Mexico north of Cabo Rojo to Rio Panuco. A tropical storm warning is in effect for the coast of Mexico east of Puerto de Veracruz to Puerto Dos Bocas and north of Tuxpan to Barra del Tordo, according to the center.

Want to track Hurricane Franklin? Do it here

Up to 8 inches of rain is expected across the Mexican states of Tabasco, northern Veracruz, northern Puebla, Tlaxcala, Hidalgo, Querétaro and eastern San Luis Potosi in eastern Mexico, according to the advisory. These rains will be capable of producing “life-threatening flash floods and mudslides.”

A dangerous storm surge could also raise water levels by as much as 6 feet along the coast and to the north of where the hurricane’s center will make landfall, the advisory said. This surge could also bring “large and destructive waves.”

Hurricane Center officials are advising residents to prepare to “protect life and property” as soon as possible.

Experts say Atlantic hurricane season could be busiest in seven years

Hurricane Franklin might be the first of the season in the Atlantic, but it is not expected to be the last by a long shot. The Atlantic could see as many as 19 named tropical systems this year, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

“The season has the potential to be extremely active, and could be the most active since 2010,” NOAA said.

The administration initially predicted that the ocean could see anywhere from 11-17 named tropical storm systems this year. The 2017 hurricane season officially began June 1 and ends November 30.</s>Hurricane Franklin is expected to make landfall on the coast of Mexico.

Franklin, a storm that has been churning off the southwest coast of Mexico, has become the Atlantic's first hurricane of the season and is expected to make landfall in the next several hours, battering Mexico's Gulf Coast with torrential rains, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Hurricane Franklin is located about 70 miles (113 kilometers) north of Veracruz, Mexico, and is moving west at approximately 13 miles per hour (21 km/h), according to an advisory issued at 11 p.m. EDT (0300 GMT) by the National Hurricane Center (NHC). [50 Amazing Hurricane Facts]

"Data from an Air Force reconnaissance plane indicate that the maximum sustained winds are near 85 mph (140 km/h) with higher gusts," NHC officials said in the advisory.

The hurricane is expected to bring heavy rainfall to the region, with as much as 15 inches (38 centimeters) of precipitation soaking parts of eastern Mexico. "These rains will be capable of producing life-threatening flash floods and mudslides," the NHC said.

Earlier today, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center released its updated hurricane season outlook. The report now forecasts that this year's hurricane season will likely be extra active, in part because of warmer-than-usual water temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean.

More information about Hurricane Franklin and the developing hurricane season can be found on the National Hurricane Center's website.</s>MEXICO CITY (AP) - The Latest on Hurricane Franklin (all times local):

Franklin has become the first Atlantic hurricane of the season as it moves toward Mexico's Gulf coast.

The National Hurricane Center in Miami upgraded the storm to a hurricane late Wednesday afternoon. Franklin has maximum sustained winds of 75 mph (121 kph). The storm is about 105 miles (169 kilometers) northeast of Veracruz, Mexico, and moving west at 12 mph (19 kph).

A hurricane warning is in effect for the coast of Mexico from Puerto de Veracruz to Cabo Rojo, and a hurricane watch extends north of Cabo Rojo to Rio Panuco.

Forecasters expect the hurricane to continue strengthening until it makes landfall in the state of Veracruz late Wednesday or early Thursday.

The hurricane center says storm surge will raise water levels by as much as 4 to 6 feet (1.2 to 1.8 meters) above normal tide levels along the coast. Forecasters say rainfall of 4 to 8 inches (10 to 20 centimeters) is possible, with some areas getting as much as 15 inches (38 centimeters) of rain.

Tropical Storm Franklin took aim at Mexico's central Gulf coast after a relatively mild run across the Yucatan Peninsula, with forecasts saying it would strengthen into a hurricane before making its second landfall late Wednesday or early Thursday.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center said Franklin began gaining strength after getting over open water again, with its maximum sustained winds quickly rising to 50 mph (85 kph) by late Tuesday. The storm was expected to gain more power as it moved across the lower reaches of the southern Gulf of Mexico and likely would be a hurricane by Wednesday evening, the center said.

Franklin's center was 325 miles (525 kilometers) east-northeast of Veracruz late Tuesday and it was heading west-northwest at 10 mph (17 kph).

A hurricane watch was in effect along the Mexican coast from Veracruz to Tuxpan. A tropical storm warning was posted from Veracruz east to Celestun and from Tuxpan north to Rio Panuco. Tropical storm-force winds extended up to 185 miles (295 kilometers) from the center.

Mexico Civil Protection director Ricardo de la Cruz said Tuesday that the storm's impact on Yucatan was not as bad as initially feared, with some trees down and power out in some areas. But, he warned, "The second impact could even be stronger than the first."

Forecasters said Franklin's rains could cause flash floods and mudslides in the mountains of central Mexico. Four to eight inches (10 to 20 centimeters) of rain were forecast for mainland areas in the storm's path, with localized amounts of up to 12 inches (35 centimeters).</s>Sign up for one of our email newsletters.

MEXICO CITY — Hurricane Franklin roared toward Mexico's central Gulf coast early Thursday, threatening to pound a mountainous region prone to flash floods and mudslides with torrential rain and heavy wind.

Franklin strengthened into the first hurricane of the Atlantic season on Wednesday and its expected landfall on the coastline of Veracruz state early Thursday will be its second on Mexican territory in three days. As a tropical storm, Franklin made a relatively mild run across the Yucatan Peninsula earlier in the week.

Authorities in Veracruz ordered classes cancelled at public schools as a precautionary measure. Schools are frequently used as storm shelters in Mexico.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center said Franklin had maximum sustained winds of 85 mph late Wednesday night. The storm was expected to gain power as it moved across the southern Gulf of Mexico.

Franklin's center was 70 miles north of the city of Veracruz, and it was heading west at 13 mph.

A hurricane warning was in effect for the coast from Veracruz city north to Cabo Rojo. A hurricane watch extended north from Cabo Rojo to Rio Panuco.

Mexico Civil Defense director Ricardo de la Cruz said Tuesday that the storm's impact on Yucatan was not as bad as initially feared, with some trees down and power out in some areas.

But, he warned, "the second impact could even be stronger than the first."

The area Franklin was expected to pass across north of Veracruz city early Thursday has been battered by deadly mudslides and flooding in the past.

Forecasters said Franklin could drop 4 to 8 inches of rain, with localized amounts of up to 15 inches.</s>MEXICO CITY — Franklin strengthened into the first hurricane of the Atlantic season on Wednesday as it moved closer to Mexico's central Gulf coast, heading for an overnight landfall that would be its second on Mexican territory in three days.

As a tropical storm, Franklin made a relatively mild run across the Yucatan Peninsula during Monday night and Tuesday, but its winds were rising and it was carrying rain toward a mountainous region prone to flash floods and mudslides.

Veracruz state authorities ordered all classes cancelled at public schools for Thursday as a precautionary measure. Schools are frequently used as storm shelters in Mexico.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center said Franklin had maximum sustained winds of 75 mph late Wednesday afternoon. The storm was expected to gain more power as it moved across the southern Gulf of Mexico.

Franklin's center was 105 miles northeast of the port of Veracruz and it was heading west at 12 mph.

A hurricane warning was in effect for the coast from Veracruz city north to Cabo Rojo. A hurricane watch extended north from Cabo Rojo to Rio Panuco.

Mexico Civil Defense director Ricardo de la Cruz said Tuesday that the storm's impact on Yucatan was not as bad as initially feared, with some trees down and power out in some areas.

But, he warned, "The second impact could even be stronger than the first."

The area Franklin was expected to pass across north of Veracruz city late Wednesday or early Thursday has been battered by deadly mudslides and flooding in the past.

Forecasters said Franklin could drop four to eight inches of rain, with localized amounts of up to 15 inches.</s>Hurricane Franklin has roared ashore on Mexico's central Gulf coast, threatening to pound a mountainous region prone to flash floods and mudslides with torrential rains and heavy winds.

Franklin strengthened into the first hurricane of the Atlantic season on Wednesday and its landfall early on Thursday was its second on Mexican territory in three days.

As a tropical storm, Franklin made a relatively mild run across the Yucatan peninsula earlier in the week.

Authorities in Veracruz cancelled classes at schools as a precautionary measure. Schools are frequently used as storm shelters in Mexico.

The US National Hurricane Centre said Franklin, a Category 1 storm, had maximum sustained winds of 85mph, but is expected to weaken as it moves inland.

Franklin's centre was about 70 miles north-north-west of the city of Veracruz and was heading west at nearly 13mph.

A hurricane warning is in effect for the coast from Veracruz city north to Cabo Rojo. A hurricane watch extends north from Cabo Rojo to Rio Panuco.

Mexico Civil Defence director Ricardo de la Cruz said on Tuesday that the storm's impact on Yucatan was not as bad as initially feared, with some trees down and power out in some areas, but he warned: "The second impact could even be stronger than the first."

Forecasters said Franklin could drop 4in to 8in of rain, with localised amounts of up to 15in.</s>Hurricane Franklin has formed in the Gulf of Mexico, becoming the first hurricane of the 2017 Atlantic season.

Meteorologists predict the storm will cross the coast of Mexico Wednesday evening or early Thursday and should stay far from Florida, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Maximum sustained winds have been measured at 75 mph with higher gusts, upgrading Franklin from a tropical storm to a category 1 hurricane, forecasters say.

Meteorologists say the storm is expected to continue to strengthen until the center crosses the country.

A hurricane warning is in effect along the coast of Mexico from Puerto de Veracruz to Cabo Rojo.</s>MEXICO CITY (REUTERS) - Tropical storm Franklin is expected to develop into a hurricane later on Wednesday, the US National Hurricane Centre said, and is set to crash into eastern Mexico's key oil-producing Gulf state of Veracruz as the Atlantic's first hurricane of 2017.

On Wednesday morning, the storm was located about 195 miles (315 km) east-northeast of the city of Veracruz, Mexico and was carrying maximum sustained winds of 110kmh, the centre added.

Franklin was expected to weaken rapidly after making landfall.

The state of Veracruz, a major oil producer, is home to two important petroleum ports, one in Tuxpan and the other in the city of Veracruz.

Across Veracruz state's northern border is the Ciudad Madero refinery, capable of handling up to 190,000 barrels per day.

The plant is on the periphery of the storm's possible path.
Hurricane Franklin, the Atlantic Ocean's first hurricane of the season, is set to hit Mexico's Gulf state of Veracruz tonight or tomorrow morning. The category 1 storm is expected to lose strength as it moves inland through the oil-producing state.