Tropical Storm Rafael strengthens as it approaches Caribbean and Florida
newsweek.com — November 5, 2024, 10:01 AM UTC
Tropical Storm Rafael has formed in the Atlantic and is expected to strengthen into a hurricane as it approaches the Cayman Islands and Cuba this week. Current winds are around 45 mph, with forecasts predicting rapid intensification. Warnings are in effect for the Cayman Islands and parts of Cuba, with heavy rainfall expected in Jamaica and Cuba. Florida's Key West has a tropical storm watch, but impacts are likely to be minimal as the storm weakens in the Gulf of Mexico. Weather models suggest Rafael could make landfall between Louisiana and the Florida Panhandle. However, conditions may lead to significant weakening before it reaches the U.S. mainland.