Tropical Storm Rafael heads for Cayman Islands and Cuba as hurricane warnings are issued
Tropical Storm Rafael is moving toward the Cayman Islands and is expected to strengthen into a hurricane before reaching Cuba. It is currently located 105 miles southwest of Jamaica, with winds of 60 mph.
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 Jamaica is also taking precautions as the storm's winds impact the island.
Cuban authorities have issued evacuation orders for 37,000 people in Guantanamo due to expected heavy rains and potential flooding. Rafael is the 17th named storm of the 2024 hurricane season, which is predicted to be above average.