Tropical Storm Rafael forms in the Caribbean and is set to strengthen into a hurricane
Tropical Storm Rafael has formed in the Caribbean Sea, becoming the 17th named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season. It has maximum winds of 45 mph and is moving northward, with conditions favorable for strengthening.
Heavy rainfall and winds are expected in the western Caribbean, including Jamaica, by early Tuesday. Rafael is forecast to make landfall as a Category 1 hurricane in the Cayman Islands on Tuesday and in Cuba on Wednesday.
A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Jamaica, while Hurricane Warnings are issued for the Cayman Islands. Watches are also in place for Cuba as Rafael moves toward the southern Gulf of Mexico.