Tropical Storm Rafael is gradually weakening in the Gulf of Mexico with sustained winds now at 40 mph and is expected to become a post-tropical cyclone in about 24 hours, according to the latest update from the National Hurricane Center. Rafael is expected ...

Once a powerful Category 3 hurricane, Rafael has significantly weakened and downgraded to a tropical depression as it moves across the Gulf of Mexico. See the latest:

The biggest impacts from Rafael's storm bands may affect offshore oil and gas production. Several companies evacuated workers from rigs as Rafael remains near oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico. Once Rafael takes a more southerly path, Northern Mexico may also begin experiencing higher wave heights and high surf along the beaches.