Tropical Storm Rafael brings life-threatening rip current threat to Texas, Florida
While Hurricane Rafael isn't forecast to hit the U.S. in the intermediate future, the storm is forecast to bring life-threatening rip currents for parts of Florida, Alabama and Texas over the weekend.
Tropical Storm Rafael swirls in Gulf of Mexico, bringing dangerous beach conditions
Tropical Storm Rafael is slowly drifting away from U.S. shores, but it's still bringing dangerous rip currents and high surf to beaches along the Gulf Coast.
While it is not expected to directly impact the U.S., Rafael is causing life-threatening rip current conditions across parts of Florida, Alabama, and Texas on Friday and into the weekend.
A High Rip Current Warning was issued by the National Weather Service covering the Florida panhandle down to the Fort Myers area, as well as parts of the southeast Texas coast.
How to survive a rip current
Do you know what to do if you find yourself caught in a rip current while swimming? Swim instructor and owner of Swim With Gills Christina Gillin-Theiss joined FOX Weather from Jupiter Island, Florida, to explain how you can stay safe and survive if you’re struggling in the water.
FOX Weather Hurricane Specialist Bryan Norcross said that Rafael somewhat unexpectedly intensified late in the week, even reaching major hurricane status. However, Rafael has since weakened into a tropical storm and is not expected to strike the U.S. Here's a look at Rafael's latest track.
AMERICA'S MOST DANGEROUS BEACHES
(FOX Weather)
Gulf Coast beachgoers beware this weekend
Areas with high rip current risks are dangerous for all levels of swimmers, and people should stay out of the water, according to the NWS.
High waves from Rafael lashed Key West, Florida, earlier this week.
WHAT DO DIFFERENT FLAGS AT THE BEACH MEAN?
Watch: Waves from Hurricane Rafael begin lashing Key West
A video shows waves starting to crash on the Southernmost Point in the Continental U.S. marker in Key West, Florida, on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024.
The FOX Forecast Center predicts wave heights of six to nine feet off the Louisiana coast Friday morning.
(FOX Weather)