Tropical Storm Rafael forms in the Caribbean and may threaten US Gulf Coast
Tropical Storm Rafael formed in the Caribbean on Monday and is expected to strengthen into a hurricane by Tuesday. It will impact Cuba on Wednesday and could reach the Gulf of Mexico this weekend, posing a potential threat to the US Gulf Coast.
Forecasts show uncertainty regarding Rafael's path, with models suggesting landfall anywhere from the Florida-Alabama border to Louisiana. The storm may also shift westward, potentially affecting northeastern Mexico instead.
Rainfall and flooding are expected in the western Caribbean, with alerts already issued for Cuba, Jamaica, and the Cayman Islands. Heavy rain could lead to mudslides, particularly in mountainous areas.