Tropical Storm Rafael Strengthens, Expected to Become Hurricane
Update: 4 p.m. Tuesday
Tropical Storm Rafael is strengthening, with forecasters predicting it will become a hurricane this evening and continue to intensify before making landfall over Cuba on Wednesday, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) said.
Path and Impacts
As Rafael moves north, it is expected to bring rain to Florida and parts of the southeastern U.S. on a track towards the U.S. Gulf coast. The storm will enter the southwestern Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday, the NHC said.
"It is too soon to determine what, if any, impacts Rafael could bring to portions of the northern Gulf Coast," forecasters said in a 4 p.m. update. "Residents in this area should regularly monitor updates to the forecast."
Florida and Southeastern U.S.
The National Weather Service (NWS) Miami said in a briefing Tuesday morning that there are no direct impacts expected for South Florida, though the path remains uncertain. Gusty winds associated with Rafael will reach the area through late in the week, causing hazardous marine and beach conditions. A wind advisory is in place for the immediate coastal areas to the east through late Tuesday evening, "but this is not directly associated" with the storm, NWS Miami said.
Rain and Tornadoes
The chance of rain is higher Wednesday due to moisture associated with the outskirts of Rafael, the weather service said. One to two inches of rain through Thursday night is likely for most of the region, with up to 4 inches in some areas. A few tornadoes are possible Wednesday.
Cuba and the Caribbean
The government of Cuba issued a hurricane warning for the western third of the island, and a tropical storm warning for most of the rest of the country Monday night. The Cayman Islands are under a hurricane warning, along with the Cuban provinces of Pinar del Rio, Artemisa, La Habana, Mayabeque, Matanzas, and the Isle of Youth.
Gulf of Mexico and U.S.
The National Hurricane Center issued a tropical storm warning for the Lower and Middle Florida Keys from Key West to west of the Channel 5 Bridge, and for the Dry Tortugas. The Lower and Middle Keys could see tropical storm conditions late Wednesday. The Keys could see 1 to 3 inches of rain and potentially 1-3 feet of surge.
Forecast and Outlooks
Rafael was located 105 miles east of Grand Cayman and 120 miles west-northwest of Montego Bay, Jamaica, as of 4 p.m. Tuesday. It was moving northwest at 15 mph with top winds of 70 mph, forecasters said. Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 115 miles from the center.
Conclusion
Tropical Storm Rafael is expected to continue strengthening before making landfall over Cuba on Wednesday and then move into the southwestern Gulf of Mexico. Residents in the affected areas should monitor updates to the forecast and take necessary precautions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the current status of Tropical Storm Rafael?
A: As of 4 p.m. Tuesday, Rafael is strengthening and expected to become a hurricane this evening, with top winds of 70 mph.
Q: Where is Tropical Storm Rafael expected to make landfall?
A: Rafael is expected to make landfall over Cuba on Wednesday.
Q: What areas can expect to be affected by Rafael?
A: The storm is expected to bring rain and potentially hazardous conditions to Florida, the southeastern U.S., and parts of the Gulf of Mexico.
Q: Is there a chance of landfall in the U.S.?
A: It is too soon to determine what, if any, impacts Rafael could bring to portions of the northern Gulf Coast. Residents should regularly monitor updates to the forecast.
