Tropical Depression 18 forms in Caribbean, may threaten US Gulf Coast next weekend
A new Tropical Depression, designated as Tropical Depression 18, has formed in the western Caribbean. It is expected to strengthen into a tropical storm named Rafael later today. The depression will move northwest, affecting Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, with a Hurricane Watch in place for the Caymans and a Tropical Storm Warning for Jamaica. By Wednesday, it may reach the eastern Gulf of Mexico and could become a Category 1 hurricane before weakening again. The forecast remains uncertain, with potential impacts from Texas to the Florida Panhandle.