Tropical storm Rafael may threaten US Gulf Coast later this week
A low-pressure system in the western Caribbean is expected to strengthen into a tropical storm, possibly named Rafael, and could impact the U.S. Gulf Coast later this week. The Cayman Islands and Jamaica have issued warnings in response. Weather experts note that Rafael may become a hurricane if it moves west of Jamaica. Regardless of its intensity, significant wind and rain are anticipated along the central or northern Gulf Coast and possibly the Florida Panhandle. The current hurricane season has already seen five hurricanes, causing around $130 billion in damages. The season continues until November 30, and conditions in the Caribbean remain favorable for further storm development.