Hurricane Rafael Forms, Expected to Become 11th Storm of 2024 Season
Formation and Track
Holding vigil over the Caribbean for over a week finally yielded a system that is now likely to become the season’s 11th hurricane. The formation of Rafael on Monday afternoon delivered the 17th named system of the 2024 season.
Forecast and Impacts
Rafael is expected to become the 11th hurricane of the 2024 season. The current forecast will send Rafael past Jamaica today and through the Cayman Islands late tonight as a potent tropical storm. With intensity forecasts teetering toward the season’s 11th hurricane, a hurricane warning remains in effect for all of the Cayman Islands.
Cuba and the Gulf of Mexico
The current track of Rafael will take it through western Cuba and into the Gulf of Mexico Wednesday afternoon or evening. Cuba, recently suffering from a national blackout lasting several days, has already experienced two other storms this season.
Florida Keys and NBC6 Viewing Area
As for the Florida Keys, residents should take note of the tropical storm watch in effect. This includes the Middle and Lower Keys and has been issued primarily for the concern of sustained tropical storm conditions, if even for a short period of time. Whether or not a warning is issued, gusts to 50 mph will be possible with rain bands that slide through Wednesday night.
Conclusion
Late-week, Rafael is forecast to weaken in the northern Gulf, but at that point in the forecast, our confidence remains low. While this appears to be a clean pass for the NBC6 viewing area, it’s a constant reminder that we’re never too far removed from a threat, no matter the time of the season.
FAQs
Q: How many storms have formed in the 2024 season?
A: 17 named systems have formed in the 2024 season, breaking the 1950 record of 9 storms developing in the same period.
Q: What is the impact of Rafael on Cuba?
A: A strong Category 1 hurricane will strike the western provinces of Cuba, bringing a storm surge of 6 to 9 feet and damaging winds with locally heavy rainfall.
Q: What is the outlook for the NBC6 viewing area?
A: A tropical storm watch is in effect for the Middle and Lower Keys, with gusts to 50 mph possible and rain bands expected to slide through the area on Wednesday night.
Q: Is the 2024 season over?
A: Not yet, with the formation of Rafael, the 11th named system of the season. Let’s hope it’s time to unplug this hurricane season.
