Hurricane Rafael Finally Begins Slowly Weakening

As of the 3pm CT advisory from the National Hurricane center, Hurricane Rafael has weakened slightly with sustained winds now down to 100mph. Movement continues to be generally towards the west at about 9mph, with a sharp turn towards Mexico expected on Sunday, along with rapid weakening by that time as well.

The latest stats from Rafael:

LOCATION...24.6N 89.7W
ABOUT 230 MI...365 KM N OF PROGRESO MEXICO
ABOUT 475 MI...765 KM E OF MOUTH OF THE RIO GRANDE
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...100 MPH...155 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT...W OR 275 DEGREES AT 9 MPH...15 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...967 MB...28.56 INCHES

While no direct impacts to the Gulf Coast are expected, dangerous rip currents are possible along parts of the  Gulf Coast through early next week while Rafael is still around. We encourage beachgoers to exercise caution if swimming, and to always swim near a life guard.

Behind Rafael, there is an area that the NHC is monitoring near the Leeward Islands, but chances for development are very low, at only 10% for both 48 hour and 5 day development chances.

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