Please see the below update from the National Weather Service (NWS) New Orleans / Baton Rouge and the National Hurricane Center (NHC) regarding Hurricane Rafael.
- Rafael is a Category 2 hurricane and has entered the southeast Gulf of Mexico.
- The forecast track for Rafael continues to shift farther south.
- Rafael is forecast to continue to the west and slow down through the weekend as it gradually weakens into a tropical storm by the start of next week.
- The forecast track has shifted notably south since yesterday, and this has reduced the concerns for direct impacts.
- The main impacts to the area will be increased rain chances this weekend, minor to moderate coastal flooding (mainly during high tide cycles), and higher winds and wave/seas across marine areas.
