Tropical Storm Rafael expected to strengthen into hurricane before hitting Louisiana
Tropical Storm Rafael is expected to strengthen into a hurricane by Tuesday night as it moves through the Caribbean. Currently, it has wind speeds of 35 mph and is forecast to make landfall in Louisiana or Mississippi on Saturday. A Hurricane Watch is in effect for the Cayman Islands, and a Tropical Storm Warning has been issued for Jamaica. Rafael may bring heavy rain, with up to 9 inches possible in parts of Jamaica and Cuba, leading to potential flooding and mudslides. Forecasters are uncertain about the storm's exact path and intensity as it approaches the U.S. Gulf Coast. The National Hurricane Center advises that it is too early to determine the potential impacts on Louisiana.