Potential Tropical Cyclone 18 is expected to become Tropical Storm Rafael by Monday and Hurricane Rafael by Tuesday night.
The system is forecast to approach the northern Gulf Coast and it will bring us additional tropical moisture as we head into Tuesday.
TRACKING THE TROPICS: Hurricane Center | Hurricane Guide
Expect on and off tropical downpours for Tuesday (Election Day) and Wednesday due to deep lower-level moisture entering the atmosphere.
Localized flooding in poor drainage areas will be of concern.
Rainfall totals will range from 1-2 inches between Tuesday and Thursday with some locally higher amounts.
The low pressure will drift into the southeastern Gulf by midweek and that is where we start to see a little more uncertainty.
There is more wind shear and cooler temperatures, especially in the northern Gulf, which will likely help to weaken the hurricane back down to a tropical storm.
We will continue to monitor this system closely with each update!
