A new tropical storm is forecasted to develop in the Caribbean on Monday, bringing heavy rain to Jamaica and the Cayman Islands before potentially strengthening into a hurricane and making landfall in Cuba. The storm, expected to be named Rafael, poses a significant threat to the region.
According to the Miami-based U.S. National Hurricane Center, the storm, currently designated as 'Potential Tropical Cyclone Eighteen,' is located approximately 220 miles south of Kingston, Jamaica, with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph. It is moving north at a speed of 7 mph.
A tropical storm warning has been issued for Jamaica, while a hurricane watch is in effect for the Cayman Islands. The storm is projected to approach Jamaica by late Monday and reach or pass over the Cayman Islands by late Tuesday into Wednesday. There is a possibility that it could intensify to hurricane strength as it nears the Cayman Islands.
Forecasts indicate that the storm may impact western Cuba on Wednesday as a hurricane. Residents of Cuba and the Florida Keys are advised to closely monitor the storm's progression and prepare for potential impacts.
Heavy rainfall is expected to affect the western Caribbean, with rainfall totals ranging from 3 to 6 inches and localized amounts of up to 9 inches in Jamaica and parts of Cuba. This could lead to flooding and mudslides in vulnerable areas.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, Tropical Storm Patty is anticipated to transition into a post-tropical cyclone on Monday. The storm, located about 490 miles east of the Azores, has maximum sustained winds of 40 mph. No coastal watches or warnings are currently in effect for this system.
The U.S. National Hurricane Center continues to monitor both tropical systems closely and provide updates as the situation evolves.
