After recent hurricanes brought devastation across the United States, experts are now focusing on Rafael, a tropical storm that elevated to hurricane status on Nov. 6.
Here is what we know about the storm’s predicted impact and path.
What is Hurricane Rafael?
Rafael is the 17th named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, which runs through Nov. 30th, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration .
In May, NOAA forecast a range of 17 to 25 named storms for this year’s Atlantic hurricane season, consisting of 8 to 13 hurricanes and 4 to 7 major hurricanes. An average year sees 14 storms.
Rafael formed in the Caribbean on Nov. 4 and is expected to hit the U.S. Gulf Coast by the weekend, according to the National Hurricane Center .
What is Rafael’s storm path?
Rafael was south of Jamaica on the afternoon of Nov. 4 and was predicted to move northwest later that day, continuing for a few days. On Tuesday evening, the storm neared the Cayman Islands and Cuba, its first stops before hitting the Gulf Coast, and brought gusty winds and heavy rain to Jamaica, ABC News reported.