Tropical Storm Rafael strengthens as it approaches Cuba, evacuation orders issued
Tropical Storm Rafael is intensifying as it moves northwest past Jamaica, with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph. It is expected to strengthen into a hurricane before making landfall in Cuba on Wednesday, prompting evacuation orders for 37,000 people in eastern Cuba.
Hurricane warnings are in effect for the Cayman Islands and several Cuban provinces. Jamaica has issued tropical storm warnings and closed schools and government offices as a precaution. Heavy rains are forecasted, potentially causing flooding and mudslides in the region.
Rafael is the 17th named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, which is predicted to be above average. Forecasters expect 17 to 25 named storms, including up to 13 hurricanes.