A rare November Hurricane is barreling toward US and could hit as early as this weekend.
The latest reports indicate that Rafael is expected to hit western Cuba and the Isle of Youth within the next 12 hours, bringing heavy rain, high winds, and dangerous storm surges to the region.
Cuba is already bracing for widespread flooding and possible evacuations, as local authorities urge residents to secure their homes and prepare for the worst.
Meanwhile, officials along the Gulf Coast in the United States are monitoring the storm closely.
Emergency services in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida are on high alert, preparing sandbags, boarding up windows, and preparing evacuation plans for coastal communities.
While it’s still unclear exactly where Rafael will make landfall, residents are being advised to stock up on supplies and remain vigilant as the weekend approaches.
As of today, Hurricane Rafael has rapidly intensified in the Atlantic Ocean, and meteorologists are closely monitoring its progress as it heads toward the United States.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued urgent warnings and advisories for coastal regions in the Southeastern U.S. and the East Coast.
Current Status: Hurricane Rafael is currently a Category 2 storm, with maximum sustained winds of 100 mph (160 km/h).
The storm is moving at a steady pace, with a projected path that may bring it ashore within the next 72 hours.
The NHC has warned that it could intensify further as it approaches land.
Projected Path:
- Landfall Location: The storm is forecast to make landfall along the southeastern coast of the U.S., with the most likely areas being Florida, Georgia, or the Carolinas.
- Expected Timing: The latest models suggest that Rafael could make landfall by Thursday night, November 14, with heavy rainfall, high winds, and dangerous storm surges.
- Track: Rafael is expected to travel northward along the Eastern Seaboard, possibly brushing the coast of the Carolinas before moving into the Mid-Atlantic region.
- Coastal areas are expected to experience rough surf and potentially severe flooding, particularly if the storm’s path shifts closer to shore.
