While it is not expected to directly impact the U.S., Hurricane 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.
FOX Weather Hurricane Specialist Bryan Norcross said that Rafael somewhat unexpectedly intensified, however, it’s not expected to hit the U.S. Here’s a look at Rafael’s latest track .
AMERICA’S MOST DANGEROUS BEACHES
According to the NWS, areas with high rip current risks are dangerous for all levels of swimmers, and people should stay out of the water.
High waves from Rafael lashed Key West, Florida, earlier this week.
A moderate rip current threat has also been issued for the east coast of Florida and the area around South Padre Island in Texas.
WHAT DO DIFFERENT FLAGS AT THE BEACH MEAN?
The FOX Forecast Center predicts wave heights of six to nine feet off the Louisiana coast Friday morning.
