Hurricane Rafael (2036)

Hurricane Rafael was a strong Hurricane that brought strong winds to the Caribbean, as well as Florida. It was well known for making a huge impact on Florida.

Formation
A depression formed east of the Lesser Antilles on August 29, and was named Rafael when it reached TS status 18 hours later. As it tracked through the Caribbean, it began to gain strength. Eventually reaching category 2 for its landfall on the Dominican Republic. It then made landfall on Cuba as a weak C2. Both regions sustained moderate to high damage.

Intensification
After Rafael exited Cuba, it made its way into the Gulf of Mexico and began rapid deepening, going from 960 mbar to 934 mbar. It also reached category 4 status prior to it's landfall on Florida. It crossed the whole state as a C4 before weakening to a C3. It slowly weakened as it made it's way out, and curved north.

Final Landfall and Dissipation
Rafael made its final landfall near Maine as a weak category 1 hurricane, and began to dissipate. However, Rafael did bring strong winds for about 20 hours before it weakened to a depression. It finally dissolved on September 6.

Impact
Rafael brought a large impact to the east coast, as well as Canada.

Dominican Republic
Rafael made landfall as a strong category 2 hurricane, pummeling the island with 105 mph winds and heavy rainfall. Several mudslides occurred, resulting in around 80 fatalities. The rain also damaged several houses, even causing one to collapse. Total damages were estimated at $50 million.

Cuba
After Rafael exited the D.R., it quickly made way to Cuba, landfalling as a weak category 1. It brought 90 mph winds and moderate rainfall. Only a few fatalities occurred due to the lack of mudslides, and some people were dragged to sea by rip currents. As of right now, 23 fatalities have been confirmed in Cuba, but only $2 million in damages occurred.

Florida
Florida was hit by the full force of category 4 Rafael. Florida had to deal with 150 mph winds and severe rainfall. Several buildings fell over, and people were washed away in their cars from the floodwaters. As Rafael passed through the state, it began to pull the floodwater out, causing in people being dragged out to sea. The final Florida death toll was 340, and damages were about $50 million's worth.

Retirement
Due to it's large impact, the name Rafael was retired and replaced with Ruben for the 2036 season.