Hurricane Rafael: A November Storm Heading Toward the US

Hurricane Rafael, a rare November storm, has been upgraded to a Category 2 hurricane and is rapidly moving toward the US. The storm is expected to hit western Cuba and the Isle of Youth within the next 12 hours, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and dangerous storm surges. Rafael’s path remains uncertain, but it is anticipated to impact areas from Texas to the Florida Panhandle.

As of 10:00 AM ET, the storm is located about 130 miles south-southeast of Havana, tracking northwest at 14 mph, with maximum sustained winds of 110 mph. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued warnings for tropical storm conditions in the Florida Keys, with up to three inches of rainfall and a risk of tornadoes. Local authorities are urging residents to secure outdoor objects and prepare for potential flooding.

Though Rafael is expected to weaken once it moves into the Gulf of Mexico, its path remains unpredictable. While the storm could enhance rainfall along the northern Gulf Coast, there is also a chance it could dissipate before making landfall. This makes Rafael the 17th named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, a reminder of the increasing unpredictability of hurricanes due to climate change.