Rafael Intensifies Slightly; Gulf Coast Landfall Unlikely

Hurricane Rafael has intensified slightly, with sustained winds of 105mph and higher gusts. A gradual weakening trend is expected over the coming days, as well as an eventual turn to the south towards Mexico by Sunday afternoon. A Gulf Coast landfall continues to look increasingly unlikely.

Here are the latest stats on Rafael from NHC:

LOCATION...24.7N 86.2W
ABOUT 260 MI...420 KM WNW OF HAVANA CUBA
ABOUT 325 MI...520 KM NE OF PROGRESO MEXICO
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...105 MPH...165 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT...WNW OR 295 DEGREES AT 9 MPH...15 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...968 MB...28.59 INCHES

Behind Rafael, the National Hurricane Center is monitoring an area near the Leeward Islands for possible development. However, conditions do not appear very favorable for tropical formation, and the chance for development is only set at 20%. We will continue to monitor this area over the coming days.

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