National Weather Service advisories and reports

Tropical Storm Rafael, 17th Named Storm, Could Become Hurricane Impacting Cuba and U.S. Gulf Coast

Nov 4, 2024, 09:30 PM

Tropical Storm Rafael, the 17th named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, has formed in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to strengthen into a hurricane as it moves towards Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, and western Cuba. The storm, currently with maximum winds of 45 mph, is forecast to become a Category 1 hurricane by midweek and could reach Category 2 strength with winds up to 100 mph before making landfall in Cuba on Wednesday. Hurricane warnings have been issued for the Cayman Islands and parts of Cuba, while tropical storm warnings are in effect for Jamaica. Tropical storm watches have been issued for the lower and middle Florida Keys. Rafael is anticipated to enter the Gulf of Mexico later this week, where it may weaken due to wind shear and dry air. Forecasters note uncertainty in its long-range track and intensity, but the storm could bring heavy rainfall and tropical storm conditions to the Florida Keys and potentially impact the U.S. Gulf Coast by the weekend.