TS Rafael Expected To Strengthen To Hurricane In Gulf, Unlikely To Hit Texas

Tropical Storm Rafael is expected to become a hurricane today or tomorrow as it moves across the Caribbean. It may build to Category 3 before entering the Gulf of Mexico, where stronger wind shear and cooler waters should help weaken it.

Fall cold fronts usually keep hurricanes from hitting the Texas Gulf Coast later than mid-October, and another cool front is moving into the area today.