Hurricane Rafael Heads for the Gulf of Mexico: What You Need to Know
What’s Happening
A map from the National Weather Service showing possible path of Hurricane Rafael in the Gulf of Mexico.
Strong Waves Expected for the Texas Gulf Coast
The Texas Gulf Coast could see some strong waves this weekend as Hurricane Rafael heads into the Gulf of Mexico.
Hurricane Rafael’s Journey
Hurricane Rafael made landfall in Cuba on Wednesday afternoon as a Category 3 hurricane. PBS reports the storm is expected to bring “life-threatening” storm surges, winds, and flash floods for Cuba. However, according to the National Weather Service, the hurricane is expected to slowly move to the west before stalling out and weakening.
Impact on the Texas Coast
Dan Brown, the Hurricane Specialist Branch Chief for the National Hurricane Center, said the southeast coasts of Texas aren’t likely to be affected.
What You Need to Know
"The main thing folks [in Texas] should be paying attention to, really, is swells that are going to be produced," he said. "Large waves from the hurricane that are likely to impact much of the U.S. Gulf Coast."
Brown added the swells could create hazardous beach conditions.
CenterPoint’s Preparations
While forecasters predict the hurricane will not have a large impact on the Greater Houston area, CenterPoint Energy is still monitoring potential impacts in Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi.
"There is still a great deal of uncertainty around Rafael and its ultimate landfall. But we want the customers and the communities we serve across the Gulf Coast to know that CenterPoint continues to prepare to respond to any potential impacts on both our electric and natural gas networks," said Richard Leger, CenterPoint’s Senior Vice President of Gas Business.
Safety Tips and Reminders
Should there be any impact over the weekend, CenterPoint recommends electricity customers should avoid any downed power lines and only use portable generators in a well-ventilated area. Customers can also keep track of any potential outages with their new tracker online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will Hurricane Rafael impact the Greater Houston area?
A: Forecasters predict the hurricane will not have a large impact on the Greater Houston area.
Q: Will I need to prepare for a hurricane?
A: While the impact is expected to be minimal, you should still be prepared for strong waves and potential outages.
Q: How can I stay safe during the storm?
A: Avoid downed power lines, use portable generators in a well-ventilated area, and keep track of potential outages with your new tracker online.
Q: What should I do if I experience an outage?
A: Stay safe, avoid downed power lines, and report the outage to CenterPoint Energy.
