Issued at 300 PM CST Thu Nov 07 2024
000 WTNT33 KNHC 072033 TCPAT3 BULLETIN Hurricane Rafael Advisory Number 17 NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL AL182024 300 PM CST Thu Nov 07 2024 ...RAFAEL SLIGHTLY STRONGER AND BETTER ORGANIZED... SUMMARY OF 300 PM CST...2100 UTC...INFORMATION ---------------------------------------------- LOCATION...24.7N 86.2W ABOUT 260 MI...420 KM WNW OF HAVANA CUBA ABOUT 325 MI...520 KM NE OF PROGRESO MEXICO MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...105 MPH...165 KM/H PRESENT MOVEMENT...WNW OR 295 DEGREES AT 9 MPH...15 KM/H MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...968 MB...28.59 INCHES WATCHES AND WARNINGS -------------------- There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect. Interests in the southern and southwestern Gulf of Mexico should monitor the progress of Rafael. DISCUSSION AND OUTLOOK ---------------------- At 300 PM CST (2100 UTC), the center of Hurricane Rafael was located near latitude 24.7 North, longitude 86.2 West. Rafael is moving toward the west-northwest near 9 mph (15 km/h). A turn toward the west is expected tonight, with this general motion at a slightly slower forward speed continuing through the weekend. On the forecast track, Rafael is expected to move over the southern Gulf of Mexico for the next few days. Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 105 mph (165 km/h) with higher gusts. Some small intensity fluctuations are possible tonight. Weakening is forecast to begin on Friday and continue through the weekend. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 30 miles (45 km) from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 105 miles (165 km). The estimated minimum central pressure is 968 mb (28.59 inches). HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND ---------------------- Key messages for Hurricane Rafael can be found in the Tropical Cyclone Discussion under AWIPS header MIATCDAT3 and WMO header WTNT43 KNHC and on the web at hurricanes.gov/text/MIATCDAT3.shtml SURF: Swells generated by Rafael are expected to spread across most of the Gulf of Mexico during the next several days. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. Please consult products from your local weather office. NEXT ADVISORY ------------- Next complete advisory at 900 PM CST. $$ Forecaster Reinhart
