SUMMARY: In today’s NBC News Daily update, Maya Holloway reports on two key community events. Von Toyota in Bastrop has launched its annual toy drive in collaboration with the Bastrop Fire Department, aiming to provide Christmas gifts for underprivileged children in Morehouse Parish. Additionally, the Louisiana legislature is convening for a special session focused on major tax reform, with Governor Jeffery advocating sweeping changes to the tax code, last updated in 1974. Meanwhile, the Kansas Lane Extension has opened, improving traffic flow in Monroe. Meteorologist Chase Ward forecasts cloud cover and possible thunderstorms later this week.

Midday Ark-La-Miss News Update: Nov. 7, 2024 pt. 2

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SUMMARY: Meteorologist Pon Malone provides an update on Hurricane Raphael, a category 3 storm making landfall in Cuba, causing concerns for damaging winds and flooding in Havana. While Louisiana is currently experiencing warm weather, with a record high of 86 degrees, the storm is expected to stay south, minimizing direct impact. Rain chances may increase over the weekend as moisture from Raphael could lead to scattered showers, particularly Sunday morning. A slight cool front is anticipated next week, potentially lowering temperatures. Overall, the region should prepare for minimal impacts and remain alert for updates on the storm.

Rafael becomes a major hurricane (Cat 3) as it nears landfall in Cuba.

The storm will emerge in the Gulf of Mexico Wednesday evening where it will begin to restrengthen. We expect Rafael to remain a hurricane Thursday and Friday before wind shear and dry air weaken the storm. The intensity will decrease dramatically this weekend as wind shear blasts the storm.

With rapid weakening there might not be much left of the storm to bring impacts to the northern Gulf Coast. At most it looks like extra rain is possible later Sunday.

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SUMMARY: Hurricane Raphael is rapidly intensifying as it approaches Cuba and is on the brink of becoming a major hurricane (Category 3). Despite minor land interaction, it’s expected to maintain intensity as it heads into the Gulf. However, current trends suggest it will likely weaken and remain far from the Northern Gulf Coast, potentially sparing areas like Louisiana from significant impacts. As it moves, there’s some chance for moisture to reach the region, but overall, the forecast for the weekend looks favorable with low rain chances. The next update from the National Hurricane Center is anticipated later today.

WWL Louisiana meteorologist Payton Malone with the latest on Hurricane Rafael for Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024.

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