Tropical storm and hurricane alerts issued for Jamaica and Cayman Islands
The National Hurricane Center has issued advisories for a developing system in the western Caribbean Sea, designated as Potential Tropical Cyclone Eighteen. It has maximum sustained winds of 35 mph and is moving north at 7 mph, located 345 miles south of Jamaica.
A hurricane watch is in effect for the Cayman Islands, while Jamaica has a tropical storm warning. The system is expected to strengthen into a tropical storm by Monday and could become a Category 1 hurricane as it approaches Cuba.
Heavy rain, strong winds, and storm surge are forecast for Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, and southern Cuba. Rainfall totals could reach up to 9 inches, leading to potential flooding and mudslides. The system may also impact Florida later in the week.