As of the 9am CST advisory from the National Hurricane Center, Rafael has weakened to a 40mph tropical storm. This is just barely hanging onto tropical storm status, and should weaken to a depression this afternoon. Rip currents will remain a concern along much of the Gulf Coast, but no direct impacts will occur from Rafael.
Latest stats from the NHC:
LOCATION...26.3N 91.9W ABOUT 370 MI...600 KM NNW OF PROGRESO MEXICO MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...40 MPH...65 KM/H PRESENT MOVEMENT...NNW OR 345 DEGREES AT 3 MPH...6 KM/H MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...1003 MB...29.62 INCHES
Behind Rafael, the NHC is still monitoring an area of interest near the Leeward Islands. But chances for development remain very low, at only 10%.
