BATON ROUGE — Tropical Storm Rafael continues to grow in intensity ahead of a landfall in Cuba Wednesday.
The system is expected to enter the Gulf of Mexico late Wednesday or early Thursday, and Louisiana is currently within the National Hurricane Center’s cone of uncertainty. However, forecasters emphasize that significant uncertainties remain, making it too early to predict if or how the storm will impact the state.
After the storm makes landfall in Cuba, Rafael is likely to encounter increasing vertical wind shear, dry air and cooler sea surface temperatures, which should lead to Rafael weakening and eventually shearing apart, the NHC stated Tuesday.
State climatologist Jay Grymes highlights the uncertainty surrounding the storm’s direction and speed into the weekend. He says that the threat for significant tropical impact seems “low to very low”. Grymes says that he doesn’t believe that tropical storm winds will reach the Louisiana coast but adds that coastal flooding could be an issue.
As for LSU’s big matchup with Alabama Saturday in Death Valley? Grymes says that the heavy rain threat for the game is also low. ESPN’s College Game Day is set to broadcast from LSU on Saturday.
Rafael is forecast to be near hurricane intensity when it passes near or over the Cayman Islands by tonight where damaging hurricane-force winds, a dangerous storm surge, and destructive waves are expected. Rafael should reach western Cuba and the Isle of Youth on Wednesday.
This is a developing story. As soon as more details are provided, the story will be updated. Check back for new information.
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