Tropical Storm Rafael approaches Cuba after passing Jamaica, hurricane warning issued
Tropical Storm Rafael is moving past western Jamaica and is expected to strengthen into a hurricane as it approaches Cuba. The storm has maximum sustained winds of 60 mph and is forecasted to make landfall in Cuba on Wednesday.
A hurricane warning is in effect for the Cayman Islands and several provinces in Cuba. Schools and government offices in the Cayman Islands have closed, and residents are urged to prepare. Jamaica has also taken precautions as the storm's outer winds affected the island.
In Cuba, about 37,000 people are under evacuation orders in Guantanamo due to severe weather. Heavy rainfall is expected across the western Caribbean, with potential flooding and mudslides. Rafael is the 17th named storm of the 2024 hurricane season.