Frances latest fear in Atlantic hurricane season

As Floridians continue to rebuild following Hurricane Charley, another intense storm is following in his tracks. Hurricane Frances, which as of Monday was classified as a category three storm, has the potential to hit Florida over the Labor Day weekend.On Sunday, Tropical Storm Gaston lashed South Carolina with intense rain, causing power outages affecting more than 170,000 residents. Damage estimates have not yet been released, but Columbia, SC television news station WIS10 reports insurance claims as of 4:00 p.m. Monday are estimated at US$5.2 million, and are ultimately expected to exceed those resulting from Hurricane Charley’s stop in South Carolina. Governor Mark Sanford has declared a state of emergency in affected areas.Now Florida is bracing for the arrival of Frances. The National Weather Service said late Monday that the hurricane is gaining force. As well, the Florida Division of Emergency Management says Frances could strengthen to Category 4 by late Tuesday. As of Monday morning, Frances sat more than 1,000 miles off the coast of Miami. The Florida government is advising residents to prepare for the storm’s potential arrival in the state this weekend. The storm is also a more imminent threat to The Bahamas area. As well, the Massachusetts coastline is on watch for Tropical Storm Hermine, which could experience the storm’s wrath Monday night or early Tuesday, although it is expected to have weakened in intensity by the time is makes landfall.