Tropical Storm Rafael expected to strengthen into hurricane as it approaches Cuba
Tropical Storm Rafael is expected to strengthen into a hurricane as it moves through the Caribbean. The National Hurricane Center forecasts it will reach the Cayman Islands by Tuesday afternoon and make landfall in Cuba early Wednesday.
Hurricane warnings are in effect for the Cayman Islands and parts of Cuba, while tropical storm warnings are issued for Jamaica. Rafael could bring heavy rainfall, with up to 10 inches expected in some areas, leading to flash flooding and landslides.
After impacting Cuba, Rafael is projected to move toward the Florida Keys and Louisiana, with potential landfall in the Gulf Coast by Saturday. Tropical storm conditions are anticipated in the Florida Keys starting late Wednesday.