189
WTNT33 KNHC 081432
TCPAT3

BULLETIN
Hurricane Rafael Advisory Number  21
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL       AL182024
900 AM CST Fri Nov 08 2024

...RAFAEL REMAINS A POWERFUL COMPACT HURRICANE OVER THE CENTRAL
GULF OF MEXICO...


SUMMARY OF 900 AM CST...1500 UTC...INFORMATION
----------------------------------------------
LOCATION...24.5N 88.8W
ABOUT 230 MI...365 KM NNE OF PROGRESO MEXICO
ABOUT 535 MI...860 KM E OF MOUTH OF THE RIO GRANDE
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...110 MPH...175 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT...W OR 270 DEGREES AT 9 MPH...15 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...961 MB...28.38 INCHES


WATCHES AND WARNINGS
--------------------
There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect.

Interests in the southern and southwestern Gulf of Mexico should
monitor the progress of Rafael.


DISCUSSION AND OUTLOOK
----------------------
At 900 AM CST (1500 UTC), the center of Hurricane Rafael was located
near latitude 24.5 North, longitude 88.8 West. Rafael is moving
toward the west near 9 mph (15 km/h). A slower west-northwestward
motion is expected during the next day or so. After that, Rafael is
likely to meander over the central Gulf of Mexico through early
next week.

Maximum sustained winds are near 110 mph (175 km/h) with higher
gusts. Steady weakening is expected during the next few days.

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 30 miles (45 km) from the
center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 90 miles
(150 km).

The estimated minimum central pressure is 961 mb (28.38 inches).


HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND
----------------------
Key messages for Hurricane Rafael can be found in the Tropical
Cyclone Discussion under AWIPS header MIATCDAT3 and WMO header
WTNT43 KNHC and on the web at hurricanes.gov/text/MIATCDAT3.shtml

SURF: Swells generated by Rafael are expected to spread across most
of the Gulf of Mexico during the next few days. These swells are
likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.
Please consult products from your local weather office.


NEXT ADVISORY
-------------
Next complete advisory at 300 PM CST.

$$
Forecaster Cangialosi