Key Takeaways:
– Hurricane Rafael, a Category 3 hurricane, lands in Cuba
– The US State Department issues a travel warning to Cuba
– The hurricane is anticipated to weaken before hitting the US central Gulf coast
– Beach erosion and dangerous surf conditions are expected due to the storm
– Climate change has significantly increased the likelihood of hurricanes such as Raphael
Hurricane Threatens Southern US
A unique November hurricane, known as Tropical Storm Rafael, is predicted to make landfall in the southern US over the coming weekend. This Category 3 storm, which intensified on Wednesday, has already struck western Cuba and is now on course for the Gulf of Mexico.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reports that the storm is ushering in life-threatening storm surge, destructive hurricane-force winds, and sudden flash flooding. The storm’s effects are expected to intensify in the southeastern Gulf of Mexico by tonight.
Potential Impact on Florida
Forecasted conditions indicate tropical storm activity in Florida Keys. However, the precise impact on the northern Gulf Coast remains uncertain at this point. Meteorologists caution that some tornadoes may break out in these areas, as well as southwestern Florida, within Wednesday night.
The lower and middle Florida Keys are expected to receive up to three inches of rainfall due to Hurricane Rafael. In anticipation of turbulent weather, island officials have preemptively closed schools and government offices.
Storm Statistics
As per the recent reports, Hurricane Rafael presently flaunts maximum sustained winds of 115mph and is moving northwest at a speed of 14mph. This storm, ranking as the 17th in this above-average storm season, induced minimal damage in Jamaica during its journey.
The US State Department has discouraged travel to Cuba, providing departure flights for non-essential staff. Cuba’s provinces of Pinar del Rio, Artemisa, La Habana, Mayabeque, Matanzas, and the Isle of Youth are currently under a hurricane warning.
Approaching the US Coast
Rafael is likely to stay within the parameters of a Category 1 or 2 storm and may begin to weaken as it nears the US central Gulf coast over the weekend. The storm’s projected path steers it to the left of Florida, heading toward Texas. Regardless of the expected weakening, the storm is still predicted to generate rough seas in the Gulf of Mexico, causing beach erosion and perilous surfing conditions.
Possible Landfall in Louisiana
Meteorologists forecast coastal flooding, with most agreeing that Rafael will likely land along the Louisiana coast. However, the precise landing location could vary from the Florida Panhandle to the Texas coast. Despite this, Dr. Ryan Truchelut, the chief meteorologist with WeatherTiger, reassures that Rafael has a minimal chance of reaching land as a hurricane.
Benefits of rainfall from this storm might extend to southern Appalachia which could, however, lead to flooding. Luckily, the regions most severely affected by Hurricane Helene should remain unaffected by this rainfall.
Climate Change Contribution
In a recent statement, non-profit Climate Central noted that the unusually warm Caribbean sea surface temperatures, which have been fueling Rafael, have become at least 60 times more probable due to climate change. The organization also mentioned that Rafael is the seventh Atlantic hurricane to undergo rapid intensification.
As we brace for Hurricane Rafael’s potential arrival in the US, it serves as a reminder of the mounting challenges posed by climate change. Please remember to stay safe during these trying times and heed official warnings and updates regarding the storm.