Hurricane Rafael Weakens as It Moves Across Gulf of Mexico After Impacting Cuba
Hurricane Rafael, now a Category 2 storm, is moving west across the Gulf of Mexico and may weaken further before reaching Mexico. After making landfall in Cuba, it has disrupted the electrical grid once more. Tropical storm alerts for the Dry Tortugas have been lifted, but hazardous surf and rip currents are expected. The risk of a new tropical disturbance near Puerto Rico has been significantly reduced.
Hurricane Rafael has transitioned into a Category 2 storm and is anticipated to gradually move westward across the Gulf of Mexico over the forthcoming days. This trajectory is predicted to encounter hostile conditions, including increased wind shear, arid air, and cooler water temperatures, which are likely to contribute to the weakening of the storm. By the time it approaches Mexico on Sunday, experts at the National Hurricane Center forecast that Rafael may downgrade to a tropical storm. Following its landfall in western Cuba as a Category 3 hurricane on Wednesday, Rafael significantly impacted the island’s already vulnerable electrical infrastructure. Once again, Cuba’s power grid has been compromised, echoing the devastation caused by the recent Hurricane Oscar, which impacted the eastern region of the country, resulting in eight fatalities and damage to roughly 20,000 residences. Fortunately, as of Thursday morning, the tropical storm warning for the Dry Tortugas has been lifted, with no additional watches or warnings currently in effect. However, forecasters have expressed concern that the storm may instigate “life-threatening” surf and rip current conditions throughout the Gulf, prompting advisories to beachgoers. Moreover, the likelihood of a new tropical disturbance forming north of Puerto Rico and Haiti has been reduced. As of the latest updates, forecasters assign a mere 20% probability of this disturbance evolving into a tropical depression within the next week. The next name on the hurricane list is Sara.
The Atlantic hurricane season typically spans from June to November, during which meteorologists pay close attention to storms that form in the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. The National Hurricane Center employs various models and observations to predict storm paths and potential impacts on land. Hurricane Rafael serves as a significant reminder of the destructive power of storms in this volatile region. Its interactions with different environmental factors, including humidity levels and water temperatures, are critical in determining its strength and trajectory. Notably, Cuba has recently faced severe challenges with its electrical grid, exacerbated by recurring hurricane impacts.
In summary, Hurricane Rafael has demonstrated its ability to cause substantial destruction in Cuba, further straining the island’s already impaired electrical infrastructure. As it proceeds across the Gulf of Mexico, it faces various adverse conditions likely to lead to its diminution in strength. Forecasters remain vigilant, emphasizing the potential dangers posed by elevated surf and rip currents, while monitoring the situation for any additional disturbances.
Original Source: www.miamiherald.com
