Floridians are ready to move on from hurricane season following the impact from Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. A potential November hurricane in Florida could have set an all-time record for most hurricanes in one season in the area. Thankfully, that record remains on hold as Hurricane Rafael is expected to skip out of Florida, and keep on an outward trajectory in the Gulf of Mexico.
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However, Florida might still feel some impact from Hurricane Rafael in the upcoming days. We'll take a closer look at the very latest, along with Hurricane Rafael's current path.
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Hurricane Rafael Is Not Expected To Impact Florida: The Storm Remains 350 Miles West Of Florida Gulf Coast
Florida can breathe easier as Hurricane Rafael is expected to lose its power in the open Gulf of Mexico waters. Upper-level winds, along with a cooler ocean temperature will weaken the hurricane back into a tropical storm.
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In a recent update, FOX News 35 reported Hurricane Rafael wouldn't have a direct impact on Florida. The current forecast sees the storm staying 350 miles off Florida's Gulf Coast. A landfall or direct hit will both be avoided.
However, Abigail Lafferty of Fox News 35 does expect some effects to hit Florida, including downpours and strong winds.
"Central Florida will still feel some effects from the hurricane, as its outer bands bring torrential downpours and gusty winds to the area. The FOX 35 Storm Team also warns there is a possibility of a brief tornado."
Hurricane Milton caused around 46 tornadoes throughout Florida.
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Although Rafael is expected to lose strength, the National Hurricane Center's latest update calls the swells generated by the storm "life-threatening."
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Hurricane Rafael Is Currently Moving Westward Near The Greater Antilles
Cloud Hurricane.
The most recent NHC update locates Rafael over the southeastern Gulf of Mexico. Developments are still possible as it moves westward near the Greater Antilles. The Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, and the southeastern Bahamas can all expect heavy rain through Saturday.
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NHC wrote in the update, "Disorganized showers and thunderstorms continue in association with a trough of low pressure that extends from the central Caribbean Sea northeastward across Hispaniola and into the southwestern Atlantic."
"Some gradual development of this system is possible during the next couple of days while it moves westward near the Greater Antilles. Regardless of development, locally heavy rains are possible across the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, and the southeastern Bahamas through Saturday."
The Greater Antilles includes Cuba, Hispaniola, Puerto Rico, and Jamaica, along with Navassa Island and the Cayman Islands.
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There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect.
Rafael still maintains speeds of 120 mph - but the wind speed is expected to decrease during the weekend.
"Maximum sustained winds are near 120 mph (195 km/h) with higher gusts. Rafael is a category 3 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Some fluctuations in intensity are possible today. By tonight, a steady weakening trend is forecast and should continue through the weekend," the NHC wrote in its report .
It remains to be seen if this is the last hurricane of the year, with the season usually coming to an end on November 30.
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