NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) – Rafael is now a Cat 3 hurricane with sustained winds of 120 mph making it a stronger storm than it was yesterday. Rafael was previously a Cat. 3 upon landfall earlier this week in Cuba. The storm tapped into some favorable conditions in this section of the Gulf, but it’s run will come to a close by the end of the weekend.
Although the storm’s track has shifted to take a slightly northward jog on Saturday, the overall path is still AWAY from the U.S. Gulf coast early next week with the upper level winds tearing it apart, and that front passing through nudging it south.
FOR THE WEEKEND: Expect breezy conditions. Isolated showers for Saturday in New Orleans with heavier bouts of rainfall near Baton Rouge. Rainfall from most models shows showers and storms, during game time just a few miles away from the stadium. Any slight deviation in the placement of those storms could cause for the game to be a incredibly soggy one. For now, passing moments of rain are forecasted for tailgating in Baton Rouge, and by the evening storms should begin to lift north. HOWEVER, you SHOULD prepare for a rainy day. High of 82 on Saturday for Baton Rouge.