Article first published: Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, 9 a.m. ET

Article last updated: Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, 3 p.m. ET

As per the National Hurricane Center’s 3 pm Saturday update, Tropical Storm Rafael is 315 miles north-northwest of Progreso Mexico, with maximum sustained wind of 50 mph. It’s moving at 5 mph to the west-northwest.

“The storm is expected to slow down and meander over the central Gulf of Mexico through Sunday night, then turn toward the south and south-southwest on Monday and Tuesday.” forecasters noted. “Weakening is expected through early next week.” They also said “Rafael is forecast to degenerate to a post-tropical remnant low by early Monday.”

YESTERDAY (Friday):

Yesterday, Rafael transformed into a Category 2 hurricane. It was later downgraded to a tropical storm with sustained winds of 50 mph.

HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND:

SURF: Swells generated by Rafael will continue impacting portions of the northern and western Gulf Coast through the weekend. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.

RAINFALL: Rainfall indirectly associated with the moisture from Rafael is expected to lead to 3 to 6 inches of rain, with local amounts to 10 inches, across portions of Southwest and Central Louisiana through Sunday morning. This rain will lead to potentially significant flash flooding.

Source: National Hurricane Center