Hurricane Rafael has weakened to a tropical storm with 70 mph winds. It is moving WNW at 5 mph and is expected to turn towards Mexico. The U.S. faces minimal threat except for potential rip currents. Monitoring continues for other disturbances near Leeward Islands.
Hurricane Rafael has been downgraded to a high-end tropical storm, exhibiting sustained winds of 70 miles per hour and a west-northwestward movement at a slowed pace of 5 mph. The trajectory indicates continued weakening of the storm, projected to take a sharp turn towards Mexico by the end of the weekend. Consequently, the United States is unlikely to experience adverse effects, although rip currents may pose a potential hazard along coastal areas.
Tropical storms and hurricanes pose significant threats to coastal regions, often resulting in severe weather disruptions. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) plays a pivotal role in monitoring the development, behavior, and potential impacts of such storms. The transition of a major hurricane to a tropical storm category indicates a decrease in wind speed and potential threats to populated areas, signifying an improvement in conditions for those in the storm’s path.
In summary, Hurricane Rafael has weakened significantly and currently poses minimal threat to the U.S., with expected impacts limited to possible rip currents. The National Hurricane Center will continue to monitor the storm as it progresses toward Mexico. Meanwhile, the development potential of disturbances in the Leeward Islands remains low.
Original Source: www.alabamawx.com
