Hurricane Rafael Tracker, Path Update as Storm Breaks 39-Year-Record
Rafael is heading towards Mexico as a tropical storm
Hurricane Rafael Tracker, Path Update as Storm Breaks 39-Year-Record
Published Nov 08, 2024 at 11:01 AM ESTUpdated Nov 08, 2024 at 4:00 PM EST
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Hurricane Rafael Makes Landfall In Cuba as Powerful Category 3 Storm
By Emma Marsden
Reporter
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Hurricane Rafael's central pressure has dropped to 965 millibars, making it the lowest-pressure November hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico since Hurricane Kate in 1985.
The historic reading shattered a 39-year record for the lowest central pressure in an Atlantic hurricane, surpassing the previous record set by Hurricane Kate almost four decades ago, which recorded a central pressure of 985 millibars.
Low pressure is caused by a combination of heat and moisture from the warm ocean surface and the physics of rising air. Lower pressure is a key indicator of storm strength, as it correlates with powerful winds and significant storm surge potential, which can cause potentially devastating impacts.
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The record-breaking low signals the storm's intensity, as it tears through the Gulf of Mexico since making landfall in Cuba as a category 3 storm on Wednesday.
Hurricane Kate was the last November storm of this strength in the Gulf that year, almost four decades ago. It ultimately made landfall in the Florida Panhandle as a Category 2 storm. As with Rafael, Kate was the eleventh storm of the season and first made landfall in Cuba.
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Meteorologists warn that Rafael could bring life-threatening conditions, including heavy rain, flooding, and storm surges in affected areas. Coastal cities are bracing for possible impacts.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) issued an advisory at midnight CST on Friday recommending heightened vigilance and preparedness in communities along the Gulf Coast.
"Swells generated by Rafael are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions along the Gulf Coast for the next few days," the NHC advisory said.
https://www.newsweek.com/hurricane-rafael-breaks-39-year-record-1982592