Imagine this: a powerful storm brewing in the Gulf of Mexico in November. That's exactly what Hurricane Rafael is doing. It's the first major hurricane in the Gulf in November in almost 40 years, and it's heading west. This isn't just any storm; it's a Category 3 hurricane with wind speeds of 120 mph. Forecasters warn that it could bring dangerous surf and riptides to the southern U. S. coastline.

Before making its way to the U. S. , Rafael caused quite a stir in Cuba. Millions are still without power, and the storm's winds knocked down six electricity towers. Cuba's President, Miguel Díaz-Cane, visited the affected areas to see the damage firsthand and check on the recovery efforts.

While Rafael is set to weaken over the weekend, it's still expected to produce tropical storm-force winds up to 115 miles from its center. This means the U. S. coast should be prepared for some rough weather.

It's important to note that hurricanes in November are rare, especially in the Gulf. The last one was Hurricane Kate in 1985, which Rafael is now tied with as the strongest storms recorded in the Gulf.

So, what can we learn from this? Nature doesn't always follow the rules, and it's crucial to be prepared for the unexpected. Even though hurricanes are more common in the summer, this rare storm serves as a reminder that weather can be unpredictable.

Rare November Hurricane Threatens U. S. Coast

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