Where is Tropical Storm Rafael heading?
Rafael, a new tropical storm is spinning through the Caribbean, has its long-term sights set on the U.S.
After recent hurricanes brought devastation across the United States, experts are now focusing on Rafael, a tropical storm that elevated to hurricane status on Nov. 6.
Here is what we know about the storm’s predicted impact and path.
What is Hurricane Rafael?
Rafael is the 17th named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, which runs through Nov. 30th, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
In May, NOAA forecast a range of 17 to 25 named storms for this year’s Atlantic hurricane season, consisting of eight to 13 hurricanes and four to seven major hurricanes. An average year sees 14 storms.
Rafael formed in the Caribbean on Nov. 4 and is expected to hit the U.S. Gulf Coast by the weekend, according to the National Hurricane Center.
What is Rafael’s storm path?
Rafael was south of Jamaica on the afternoon of Nov. 4 and was predicted to move northwest later that day, continuing for a few days. On Tuesday evening, the storm neared the Cayman Islands and Cuba, its first stops before hitting the Gulf Coast, and brought gusty winds and heavy rain to Jamaica, ABC News reported.
Once Rafael makes landfall in Cuba on Wednesday, the expected Category 1 hurricane will bring storm surge, “damaging winds,” mudslides and flash flooding. The Weather Channel reported Wednesday morning that Rafael is bearing down on Cuba and “could be near major hurricane strength” as it makes landfall there.
A tropical storm warning is in effect for the Florida Keys, where ABC news reports heavy rain, tropical-storm force winds, heavy rain and a few tornadoes are possible.
Through Nov. 10, Hurricane Rafael is forecast to weaken and slow down in the Gulf of Mexico, dropping from around 90 mph near Cuba on Wednesday to 50 mph near the Gulf Coast by Sunday morning.
The potential impacts Rafael may have on the U.S. Gulf Coast are unclear at this time. Some storm models show Rafael weakening and heading toward Mexico, while others expect the story to bring rain to the area, reports ABC News.
Neither Delaware nor the surrounding area has been mentioned in discussions of the storm’s impact.
Rafael storm tracker
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Publish date : 2024-11-06 03:16:00
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