Tropical Storm Rafael is on its way to the Cayman Islands and is expected to strengthen into a hurricane as it heads towards Cuba. The storm, located 80 miles south-southwest of Montego Bay, Jamaica, has maximum sustained winds of 60 mph and is moving northwest at 13 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center.
Rafael is forecast to become a hurricane in the northwestern Caribbean near the Cayman Islands before making landfall in Cuba. A hurricane warning is in effect for the Cayman Islands and several provinces in Cuba, while a tropical storm warning is in place for Jamaica and other Cuban provinces. Residents in these areas are urged to prepare for the storm.
Authorities in Jamaica and Cuba are taking precautions in advance of Rafael’s arrival, with schools and government offices closed in some areas. In Cuba, around 37,000 people in the province of Guantanamo have been evacuated due to the bad weather.
The storm is expected to bring heavy rains to the western Caribbean, which could lead to flooding and mudslides. Forecasters are also warning of possible tornadoes in the Keys and southwesternmost Florida mainland. The 2024 hurricane season is predicted to be above average, with as many as 25 named storms expected.
Stay updated on the latest news and developments by subscribing to our newsletter. Stay safe and prepared during this hurricane season.
