Rafael strengthens into Cat 1 hurricane; projected to become Cat 2

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The Weather Authority meteorologists are now watching Hurricane Rafael in the Caribbean.

Rafael is forecast to remain at Category 1 Hurricane as it passes over Cuba and into the Gulf of Mexico Wednesday afternoon and evening.

Then, after passing over Cuba, it could increase into a Category 2 storm with 100 mph winds.

Per the 1 A.M. National Hurricane Center advisory, Tropical Storm Rafael is moving northwest at 13 mph and is anticipated to move northwestward over the next few days.

Maximum sustained winds are near 85 mph.

From there, Rafael will remain quite offshore of Southwest Florida as it moves Northwest from Wednesday into Thursday. 

Even though the system’s center looks to stay offshore and make landfall in the northwest, the Weather Authority meteorologists say “that tropical moisture will be streaming in and leading to scattered rain and storms for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.”

Right now, the storm surge looks minimal, if not slightly negative, as we’ll see an east and southeast wind.

Breezy conditions are likely with gusts up to 30 mph.

Flooding will not be an issue as rain totals only look to be between 0.5 – 1.5 inches.

Breezy conditions will be with us through Thursday as well.

From Wednesday night through Thursday, tides can run a bit higher and some areas may see minor coastal flooding.

This will be a low threat for Southwest Florida. 

It is important to note that, due to the time change, updates from the National Hurricane Center will come at 10 a.m., 4 p.m., 10 p.m., and 4 a.m. instead of the traditional times we are used to throughout the hurricane season.

Stay with WINK News for the latest on this strengthening system in the Caribbean. 

Hurricane season ends on Nov. 30. 

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