Tropical Storm Rafael, currently gathering strength over the Caribbean, is projected to make landfall on the southern coast of Louisiana by Saturday.
Forecasters warn that the storm may intensify into a hurricane as it moves through the Gulf of Mexico.
Meteorologist Payton Malone noted on X that Rafael is on track to become a “rare Gulf November hurricane” and could reach hurricane strength before it reaches Cuba, the New York Post reported.
The National Hurricane Center reports Rafael’s current position is approximately 175 miles south of Kingston, Jamaica. It is moving northward at 9 mph and has sustained winds of 45 mph. By the time it approaches Cuba on Wednesday, the storm is expected to escalate to a Category 1 or possibly Category 2 hurricane.
Communities across the Caribbean are already bracing for Rafael’s impact.
The Cayman Islands are under a hurricane warning, with forecasts of up to three feet of storm surge on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Jamaica has issued a tropical storm warning, preparing for heavy rainfall that could cause coastal flooding and potentially spark mudslides in mountainous regions.
As Rafael approaches the Gulf, the storm’s trajectory suggests New Orleans may experience rain and gusty winds by Saturday. However, Malone remains cautiously optimistic, suggesting that weakening factors such as wind shear and cooler Gulf waters may reduce the storm’s strength before it reaches Louisiana.
Parts of Florida, including the Keys and Dry Tortugas, have also been placed under tropical storm warnings.
Rafael is the 17th named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season and could soon become its 11th hurricane. As it barrels toward the Gulf Coast, Rafael will add to a particularly active season.
This article was written with the assistance of artificial intelligence.