Hurricane Rafael, a Category 3 storm with 120 mph winds, is moving away from Florida through the Gulf of Mexico and is expected to weaken. Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are affecting Puerto Rico, though development is unlikely. Residents in the Gulf Coast should be cautious of dangerous surf and rip currents.
The National Hurricane Center has updated its tracking of Hurricane Rafael, which has intensified into a Category 3 storm with sustained winds reaching 120 mph. However, the latest forecasts indicate that Rafael is moving away from Florida and is expected to weaken as it travels through the Gulf of Mexico. Meanwhile, a trough of low pressure near Puerto Rico is producing significant rain and thunderstorms, although it presents a low likelihood of development in the upcoming week. Rafael has already caused extensive damage in western Cuba, cutting off the island’s electrical grid. Currently, a mid-level ridge is directing the storm westward, steering it clear of Florida and a non-tropical system in the South Central United States that could have rerouted its path northward. AccuWeather meteorologist Bernie Rayno stated, “As Rafael takes this west-southwest track, it will be subject to increasing wind shear, which will cause it to gradually lose wind intensity.” Despite the storm’s expected weakening, swells generated by Rafael will likely create life-threatening surf and rip current conditions along the Gulf Coast for the next several days. Residents in the southern and southwestern Gulf of Mexico are advised to remain vigilant regarding the storm’s development. As of the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center, which was issued at 4 a.m. on November 8, Hurricane Rafael is located approximately 245 miles north-northeast of Progreso, Mexico, and is moving westward at 9 mph. With a minimum central pressure of 956 MB, the storm’s influences are anticipated to diminish. Should the current trends continue, impacts on Florida are expected to be minimal, with the primary concern remaining high surf conditions. In addition to Hurricane Rafael, meteorologists are monitoring a low-pressure trough near Puerto Rico, which may bring heavy rainfall and thunderstorms but is unlikely to develop substantially. The National Hurricane Center monitors multiple systems in the Atlantic Basin, where the hurricane season lasts from June 1 to November 30. As this season approaches its end, authorities recommend that all residents remain prepared and informed. It is essential to observe ongoing weather updates and heed forecasts and advisories while keeping safety measures in mind during this active tropical season.
Hurricane Rafael has gained attention as it intensified into a Category 3 hurricane, with the National Hurricane Center closely monitoring its progression within the Gulf of Mexico. While heavy rain and thunderstorms have been reported in nearby regions, particularly around Puerto Rico, the storm is projected to maintain a westward track away from Florida. This information is crucial for residents in the paths of tropical storms and hurricanes, especially as they prepare for heightened surf conditions resulting from Rafael’s swells.
In summary, Hurricane Rafael has strengthened but is moving away from the U.S. and is expected to weaken in the coming days. Residents of the Gulf Coast should be aware of the potential for dangerous surf conditions. Concurrently, a trough of low pressure near Puerto Rico is not likely to develop significantly. Continuous monitoring of hurricane updates is advisable as the Atlantic season progresses toward its conclusion.
Original Source: www.news-press.com
