BROOKHAVEN — It is unkown how Hurricane Rafael will impact weather conditions in Southwest Mississippi as it approaches the Gulf of Mexico. What is currently forecast is the storm will hook to the left and avoid hitting Mississippi’s gulf coast.

According to a forecast advisory issued at 1 p.m., Hurricane Rafael has now gained strength and is a Category three storm with sustained winds reaching 115 mph. Rafael could make landfall on western Cuba this afternoon before hooking hard to the left into the Gulf of Mexico on a northwest track.

It is expected to weaken over Cuba but it will emerge as a hurricane in the southeastern Gulf of Mexico. The storm’s cone and path is expected to head towards southeastern Texas and northeastern Mexico.

The Daily Leader will continue to monitor activity in the tropics as the 2024 Hurricane Season continues.