Tropical Storm Rafael is headed towards the Gulf of Mexico. Rafael is expected to strengthen into a hurricane and although the Atlantic Hurricane Season officially runs through the end of the month, getting a November hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico is rare.
Rafael should reach Cuba by Wednesday before entering the Gulf of Mexico Thursday. Once it reaches the cooler gulf waters, forecasters expect the system to weaken back down to a tropical storm by the weekend.
A tropical storm watch has been issued for the Lower and Middle Florida Keys with more watches and warnings probable as this late season storm moves on a north westerly track.
The last November hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico was Kate in 1985.That came ashore in the Florida Panhandle as a category 2 hurricane on November 21, 1985.