Rafael Dissipates After Historic Cat 3 Gulf Hurricane; 2024 Season Now 'Extremely Active'

Nov 10, 2024, 08:37 PM

Tropical Storm Rafael, which had previously intensified into a Category 3 hurricane—only the second such November occurrence in the Gulf of Mexico since Hurricane Kate in 1985—has weakened and dissipated over the Gulf. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) issued its final advisory on November 10, noting that Rafael had degenerated into a post-tropical remnant low due to wind shear and dry air. Despite weakening, the storm contributed to the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season reaching NOAA's "extremely active" classification, with an Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE) of 159.8.