U.S. News

Rafael degenerates to extratropical cyclone

Hurricane Rafael picked up speed and shifted to the north-northeast as it moved to within 310 miles of Bermuda Wednesday, U.S. forecasters said. (courtesy National Weather Service/National Hurricane Center)

Published: Oct. 17, 2012 at 10:31 PM

MIAMI, Oct. 17 (UPI) -- Hurricane Rafael degenerated to an extratropical cyclone Wednesday with no coastal watches or warnings in effect.

Rafael was about 475 miles southeast of Halifax, Nova Scotia, moving northeast at 35 miles per hour, the National Hurricane Center in Miami said in its 5 p.m. EDT and final advisory for Rafael.

Maximum sustained winds were 75 mph with higher gusts. Gradual weakening over the next 48 hours was expected to accompany some increase in forward speed.

Hurricane-force winds extended 80 miles with gale-force winds extending 310 miles from the center.

Swells generated by Rafael were expected to affect the eastern coast of Canada over the next 24 hours. The swells may cause life-threatening surf and rip currents.

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