Tropical Storm Rafael strengthens as it approaches Cuba and Cayman Islands
Tropical Storm Rafael has intensified and is expected to become a hurricane as it approaches the Cayman Islands and Cuba. The storm, with maximum winds of 70 mph, is moving northwest and is forecast to make landfall in Cuba on Wednesday.
A hurricane warning is in effect for the Cayman Islands and several provinces in Cuba. The U.S. State Department has advised American citizens to reconsider travel to Cuba, while Cuban authorities have urged residents to prepare for the storm.
In the Cayman Islands, schools and government offices are closed, and residents are stocking up on supplies. Heavy rains and potential flooding are expected in both Cuba and the Cayman Islands, with impacts also forecast for parts of Florida later in the week.