Hurricane Rafael Update: System Makes Landfall in Cuba, Set to Move into Gulf Tonight

Hurricane Rafael made landfall in Cuba late this afternoon as a category 3 hurricane. The system is currently working its way across Cuba as a category 2 hurricane, and will soon be over the Gulf.

Here are the latest stats from the NHC:

SUMMARY OF 600 PM EST…2300 UTC…INFORMATION
———————————————-
LOCATION…23.0N 83.0W
ABOUT 40 MI…65 KM W OF HAVANA CUBA
ABOUT 15 MI…25 KM ENE OF BAHIA HONDA CUBA
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS…105 MPH…170 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT…NW OR 320 DEGREES AT 14 MPH…22 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE…962 MB…28.41 INCHES

Currently, life-threatening storm surge, wind, and flash flooding is occurring in Cuba. The western side of the country is seeing the most impacts from Rafael. As the system moves into the Gulf, we expect to see gradual weakening as it nears the Mexican/US Coasts.

Right now, hurricane force winds extend outward up to 30 miles, and tropical storm force winds extend up to 115 miles outward. The pressure of the storm is 956 mb.

1 to 3 inches of rain is expected to fall in the Florida Keys overnight tonight, and there is a slight tornado risk associated with Rafael for these areas. Large swells are also forecast to be generated and could affect much of the US Gulf Coastline.

Another update to come later tonight.

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