Published on November 4, 2024 at 11:41 p.m.
Rafael is expected to intensify and become a dangerous hurricane. Forecast.
Rafael, tropical storm
Rafael is born. The 17th tropical storm of the year is hitting the Caribbean Sea and is expected to pass near Jamaica. According to the National Hurricane Center, the cyclone is moving at a speed of 75 km/h towards the north. Its winds are currently blowing at 75 km/h, but they are expected to intensify in the coming hours.
End of active season
The hurricane season slowed down somewhat in August, which is rather unusual. In fact, the peak occurs around September 10. However, tropical activity regained momentum at the end of the campaign with around ten named storms since September 24. This would be a record sequence according to specialist Phillip Klotzbach.
Dangerous hurricane
Rafael’s trajectory and intensification will need to be monitored over the coming days. Its anticipated course threatens the Cayman Islands and especially the west of the island of Cuba. In fact, it is the large cities of Havana and Varadero that could receive torrential rains and strong gusts. The NHC forecast indicates that the storm would make landfall with Category 2 intensity.
The United States in the crosshairs
The southern United States could still be hit by a tropical storm. Fortunately, Rafael is expected to run out of steam before making landfall in northern Florida due to wind shear in the Gulf of Mexico. However, the risk of flooding, landslides and flash floods should not be underestimated.
With the collaboration of Bertin Ossonon, meteorologist.
SEE ALSO: The most devastating typhoon in 27 in Taiwan.
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