Riviera Maya, Q.R. — The recent northwest shift by Hurricane Rafael has moved the system further from the Quintana Roo coast. While the National Hurricane Centre still forecasts some storm wind over the northern Yucatan Peninsula, rain is not expected.
According to AccuWeather Meteorologist Geordan Lewis, “Rafael is expected to make landfall Wednesday evening as a Category 2 hurricane in western Cuba,” however, the NOAA has since updated that, saying Rafael will make landfall as a major hurricane instead.
On Monday, Rafael’s trajectory was forecast for the western tip of Cuba, placing a portion of the Quintana Roo coast in its outer bands for possible wind and rain. However, Rafael has shifted northwest and is now forecast to hit a more central part of western Cuba as it passes into the Gulf of Mexico.
The Mexican Navy, through the Ninth Naval Region, reported activating a “Prevention Phase” for Quintana Roo for the passing of major hurricane Rafael, which will pass Quintana Roo about 200 kilometers away.
The Ninth Naval Region based in Isla Mujeres, prepared 266 elements, 26 vehicles, an interceptor patrol, three Defender-type vessels, four smaller vessels and a mobile kitchen, for preventive measures if necessary.
The Fifteenth Naval Zone based in Cozumel, also made similar preparations with 290 elements, 18 vehicles, an interceptor patrol, two Defender-type boats, two smaller boats and a mobile kitchen.
The Prevention Phase was put into place to safeguard lives and property, however, only wind is forecast to affect the northern coast of Quintana Roo as Hurricane Rafael passes over Cuba Wednesday night as a major hurricane.
After Rafael passes Cuba, it is forecast to begin turning east. It’s final trajectory, once in the Gulf of Mexico, remains unknown, however, it is forecast to maintain its hurricane strength into Saturday.
