As per the National Hurricane Center's 10 am Friday update, the Category 3 hurricane Rafael has weakened into a Category 2 hurricane. Category 2 Hurricane Rafael is 230 miles north-northeast of Progreso Mexico and 535 miles east of Mouth of the Rio Grande, with maximum sustained wind of 110 mph. It’s moving at 9 mph to the west.

Yesterday, Rafael became a Category 3 hurricane with sustained winds of 110 mph after intensifying from a Category 2 hurricane. SURF: Swells generated by Rafael are expected to spread across most of the Gulf of Mexico during the next few days. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.

Rafael will continue to weaken as it tracks westward through the Gulf. This is partially due to increasing wind shear and more overall hostile environmental conditions. The wind shear is in association with a cold front moving across Texas. This front will help to deflect the storm from us.