Rafael becomes Category 1 hurricane near Cayman Islands
Tropical Storm Rafael has strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane near the Cayman Islands, with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph. It is moving northwest at 15 mph and is located 20 miles southeast of Little Cayman.
A hurricane warning is in effect for the Cayman Islands and several provinces in Cuba, including Havana. A storm surge of 6 to 9 feet is possible along Cuba's southern coast, with heavy rain expected in the region.
Rafael is forecast to strengthen further and could reach Category 2 status before making landfall in Cuba. Tropical storm conditions are also expected in Jamaica and the Florida Keys, with heavy rain and potential tornadoes in southwestern Florida.