Hurricane Rafael churns in the Gulf, supposed to gradually weaken, no threat to Florida: NHC

Tracking the tropics: November 8, 2024

FOX 35 Storm Team Meteorologist Brooks Garner breaks down the latest in the tropics as Hurricane Rafael churns in the Gulf.

ORLANDO, Fla. - Powerful Hurricane Rafael made landfall in Cuba as a major hurricane on Wednesday and has now entered the Gulf of Mexico, raising questions about its next destination.

As of late Thursday evening, Rafael remains a Category 2 hurricane—the first November Category 2 storm in the Gulf since Hurricane Ida in 2009. Cuba and parts of the western Caribbean were hit hardest, enduring damaging hurricane-force winds, heavy flooding, and a life-threatening storm surge.

The hurricane will continue moving into the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico, where hostile upper-level winds and cooler ocean temperatures are expected to weaken it to a tropical storm. Rafael is projected to make landfall near the Bay of Campeche along Mexico’s coastline.

Is Hurricane Rafael headed for Florida?

No, Hurricane Rafael is not expected to impact Florida directly. It's predicted to remain more than 350 miles west of Florida’s Gulf coast, avoiding a landfall or direct hit.

However, 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.