Hurricane Rafael swings in Gulf, to gradually weaken, no threat to Florida: NHC

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

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

Is Hurricane Rafael Heading For Florida?

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

But central Florida will still feel some effects from the hurricane, as its outer band brings torrential rain and gusty winds to the area. The FOX 35 Storm Team is also warning that there is a possibility of a brief tornado.