Tropical Storm Rafael strengthens as it approaches Cuba, hurricane warnings issued
Tropical Storm Rafael is expected to strengthen into a hurricane as it approaches Cuba. The storm is currently located about 80 miles south-southwest of Montego Bay, Jamaica, with winds of 60 mph, moving northwest at 13 mph.
Rafael is forecast to make landfall in western Cuba on Wednesday, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and a storm surge of 6 to 9 feet. Hurricane warnings are in effect for the Cayman Islands and Cuba, with tropical storm warnings for Jamaica and parts of the Florida Keys.
While the storm may impact the U.S. Gulf Coast later in the week, forecasters indicate it is unlikely to make landfall as a hurricane. Rain and possible tornadoes are expected in the Florida Keys and surrounding areas.