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Tropical Storm Rafael to Intensify, Threaten Caribbean and Florida
Tropical Storm Rafael is expected to become a hurricane and impact the western Caribbean and potentially southern Florida, with heavy rainfall and strong winds.
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National Hurricane CenterCnnRadio Jamaica NewsReuters
Ilda GallardoMarley MillianMichael Lowry
- What is the current forecast for Tropical Storm Rafael?
- Tropical Storm Rafael is expected to strengthen into a hurricane by Wednesday, bringing strong winds and heavy rainfall to the western Caribbean and potentially parts of southern Florida.
- How much rainfall is expected, and what are the associated risks?
- Rainfall amounts are predicted to be 3 to 6 inches across western Cuba, the Cayman Islands, and parts of Jamaica, with up to 9 inches possible in some areas of Jamaica and Cuba; this raises the risk of flash flooding and mudslides.
- Which areas are under hurricane warnings or tropical storm warnings?
- The Cuban provinces of Cienfuegos, Villa Clara, Sancti Spiritus, and Ciego de Avila are under Tropical Storm Warnings, along with Jamaica; hurricane warnings are in place for the Isle of Youth and several other Cuban provinces and the Grand Cayman Islands.
- Which areas are expected to be impacted by the storm first, and when?
- Jamaica and the Cayman Islands will likely experience the storm's impacts first, starting Tuesday, followed by western Cuba on Wednesday; parts of the Florida Keys could also see effects by Wednesday evening.
- What is the current prediction regarding the storm's impact on the northern Gulf Coast?
- While the storm's impact on the northern Gulf Coast is uncertain, the National Hurricane Center emphasizes that it is too early to predict any effects and advises residents to monitor updates.