independent.co.uk
Hurricane Rafael Heads Toward Southern US
Hurricane Rafael strengthens into a Category 1 hurricane, threatening the southern US with damaging winds and flooding, while weakening before landfall.
English
United Kingdom
Us PoliticsClimate ChangeClimateDisasterWeatherStormHurricane
National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration (Noaa)National Hurricane CenterU.s. State DepartmentWeathertigerAssociated Press
Dr. Ryan Truchelut
- What are the potential impacts of the storm on the US?
- The storm is projected to weaken before making landfall, but it is still expected to create rough seas, beach erosion, dangerous surf, and coastal flooding, most likely along the Louisiana coast.
- What is the current status and projected path of Tropical Storm Rafael?
- Tropical Storm Rafael intensified into a Category 1 hurricane and is expected to make landfall in the south-central US this weekend, bringing damaging winds, storm surge, and destructive waves.
- What precautions are being taken in anticipation of the storm's landfall?
- Rafael is expected to pass near or over the Cayman Islands, where schools and government offices have been closed in anticipation. The U.S. State Department warned against travel to Cuba and is providing departure flights for non-essential staff.
- What is the context of this hurricane in terms of the overall hurricane season?
- Rafael is the 17th named storm of this above-average hurricane season; its path is expected to move through the Florida panhandle on the east to central and eastern Louisiana on the west.
- What is the likelihood of the storm maintaining hurricane status upon landfall, and what other potential weather issues exist?
- While Rafael may enter the Gulf as a hurricane, there's little chance of it reaching land as a hurricane; however, remnants of the storm could bring enough rain to southern Appalachia to cause flooding.