Tropical Storm Rafael brings rain to Jamaica, Cayman Islands; set to impact Cuba as a hurricane.
Tropical
Storm Rafael forms in the Caribbean, set to bring heavy rainfall to Jamaica and
the Cayman Islands. Cuba and Florida prepare for potential hurricane impact.
San
Juan, Puerto Rico – Tropical Storm Rafael formed Monday in
the Caribbean, bringing heavy rain to Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. According
to the U.S. National Hurricane Center, the storm is expected to intensify into
a hurricane before reaching Cuba and potentially impacting Florida and the U.S.
Southeast later this week.
Currently
located about 150 miles south of Kingston, Jamaica, Rafael’s winds are
sustained at 45 mph. Moving north-northwest at 9 mph, the storm is expected to
pass near Jamaica late Monday, approach the Cayman Islands by Tuesday, and make
landfall in Cuba on Wednesday as a Category 1 hurricane. A tropical storm
warning is in effect for Jamaica, with hurricane watches issued for the Cayman
Islands and parts of western Cuba.
Authorities
in the Cayman Islands and Jamaica are urging residents to prepare for possible
flooding and wind damage, with schools closed and sandbags distributed in
low-lying areas. Cuban authorities are also on high alert, with 37,000 people
already evacuated in Guantanamo due to previous weather conditions.
Forecasters
are monitoring Rafael for possible strengthening as it moves across warm
waters. If conditions remain favorable, the storm could intensify quickly,
posing a risk to the western Caribbean and southeastern U.S.
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