Hurricane Rafael Downgraded to Tropical Storm by National Hurricane Center

Hurricane Rafael has weakened to a tropical storm, with winds at 70 mph, as reported by the National Hurricane Center. It is located 460 miles east of the Rio Grande, following its landfall in Cuba.

The National Hurricane Center has reported that Hurricane Rafael has transitioned into a tropical storm as of Friday evening. At that time, the storm was situated approximately 460 miles east of the Rio Grande’s mouth and was recorded with maximum sustained winds of 70 mph. This significant drop in intensity occurred shortly after making landfall, raising concerns about potential flooding and damage in the areas affected, particularly in Cuba, where residents are managing the aftermath of the storm.

Tropical storms and hurricanes are classified based on their sustained wind speeds. Upon reaching winds of 74 mph or higher, a storm is designated as a hurricane. The weakening of Rafael from hurricane status to tropical storm level emphasizes the volatile nature of such weather events. The implications of a storm’s landfall can lead to substantial flooding, infrastructure damage, and a disruption of local life, particularly in coastal regions. As storms move along their projected paths, forecasting agencies like the National Hurricane Center provide critical updates to inform and protect communities.

In summary, the National Hurricane Center’s advisory indicates that Hurricane Rafael has rapidly weakened to a tropical storm, demonstrating the unpredictable nature of storm systems. As Rafael continues its path, residents are urged to remain vigilant and prepared for any potential adverse effects resulting from the storm’s previous impact and ongoing developments.

Original Source: www.usnews.com