South Mississippi monitors tropical disturbance expected to strengthen into storm
A disturbance in the Caribbean Sea is expected to strengthen into a tropical storm on Monday and could become Hurricane Rafael before entering the Gulf of Mexico. It is currently located 220 miles south of Jamaica. Forecasters indicate that while the storm may strengthen, it could weaken due to wind shear and dry air once it reaches the Gulf. The National Hurricane Center advises Gulf Coast residents, including those in Mississippi, to monitor updates. The storm is projected to reach Cuba by Tuesday, likely as a Category 1 hurricane. Impacts to the Gulf Coast could occur by Friday or Saturday, but the exact path and intensity remain uncertain.