texas border operations
texas border operations
As of November 6, 2024, Hurricane Rafael had strengthened to a Category 2 hurricane with maximum sustained wind speeds of 100 miles per hour (160 km/h). Rafael is currently located about 120 miles (190 kilometers) southeast of Youth Island and is moving northwest at 14 miles per hour (22 kilometers per hour). The hurricane is expected to make landfall in western Cuba later today, bringing heavy rain and wind damage to the region and the possibility of major flooding.
Anticipating the storm’s landfall, Cuban authorities ordered the evacuation of more than 37,000 residents of Guantanamo province. Additional warnings have been disseminated throughout the affected area. The U.S. State Department advises against travel to Cuba and is assisting non-essential personnel with leaving the country. Residents and travelers are urged to remain vigilant, abide by evacuation orders, and monitor updates from local authorities as the situation is rapidly changing.
Hurricane Rafael is expected to make landfall in the southeastern Gulf of Mexico after passing through Cuba. The move has raised concerns for residents of the Florida Keys, who are being urged to prepare for the potential impacts of the storm. Although there is high confidence in the predicted path of Rafael across west-central Cuba and into the southeastern Gulf, some uncertainty remains regarding its exact structure and path, and the potential impact on the Keys remains uncertain. There are various levels.
The major impacts in the Florida Keys are:
Coastal Flooding: Areas on the Atlantic side of the Florida Keys may experience saltwater flooding today and tonight, with water levels potentially reaching up to 2 feet above average high tide or about 1 foot above recent high tides. there is. Wind Risk: Probability Persistent tropical storm winds have decreased to just under 20% chance in Key West and just under 10% chance in Marathon and Layton. Winds are likely to pick up as early as this afternoon, but could pick up in the evening. The chance of sustained tropical storm force or damaging winds (greater than 55 mph) has decreased to nearly 0% in all areas of the Florida Keys. Severe thunderstorms: A mild risk (Level 2 out of 5) for severe thunderstorms is indicated. Issued this afternoon and tonight for the Lower and Middle Keys. This could include isolated tornadoes and strong squalls with lightning that could produce localized wind gusts of 50 to 60 mph. Meanwhile, the Upper Keys faces marginal risk (Level 1 out of 5) in similar circumstances. Heavy Rain: Localized heavy rain from a passing storm can cause road flooding and impact poorly drained areas. Rainfall totals are expected to accumulate between 1 and 3 inches, with locally higher amounts possible.
Precautions in the Gulf of Mexico
Energy companies operating in the Gulf region are taking precautions in anticipation of potential disruption from Mr. Rafael. Non-essential personnel have been evacuated from offshore platforms and equipment has been secured to minimize the impact of the storm on operations.
Stay prepared and informed
Residents within the projected path of Hurricane Rafael are strongly encouraged to stay informed through official weather channels and follow advisories, warnings, and evacuation orders issued by local authorities. Storm tracks and strength can change, so timely updates and preparedness measures are critical to public safety.
Please refer to the National Weather Service and local emergency management advisories for detailed and up-to-date information.
