Tropical Storm Rafael is passing near Jamaica Tuesday and has prompted hurricane warnings for the Cayman Islands and Cuba, while the Keys brace for wind and rain.
A tropical storm warning was issued for portions of the Florida Keys Tuesday as Tropical Storm Rafael was moving past Jamaica on a path toward Cuba where forecasters expected it to hit as a hurricane on Wednesday.
The tropical storm warning was in effect for the lower and middle Florida Keys from Key West to west of the Channel 5 Bridge and for the Dry Tortugas, according to the National Hurricane Center.
Tropical storm warnings have been issued for the lower and middle Keys. This means tropical storm conditions are likely within the next 36 hours in the warned area. Stay with @nbc6https://t.co/PKdbgxwLAa pic.twitter.com/rf45pKg078
— Adam Berg (@AdamBergNBC6) November 5, 2024
Rafael was about 105 miles east of Grand Cayman with sustained winds of 70 mph on Tuesday afternoon, the latest advisory from the NHC said.
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The storm is expected to continue strengthening is it moves to the northwest and will likely become a hurricane by early Wednesday.
"Steady to rapid intensification is expected during the next 24 to 36 hours, and Rafael is expected to become a hurricane as it passes near the Cayman Islands with further strengthening before it makes landfall in Cuba," the NHC said Tuesday afternoon.
This has also prompted hurricane warnings for the Cayman Islands and portions of Cuba.
Hurricane Season
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The Cayman Islands could see hurricane-force winds as early as Tuesday evening with Cuba feeling hurricane conditions later on Wednesday. Look for heavy rain and some storm surge as well.
Impact on South Florida
South Florida will see gusts to tropical storm strength right into early Thursday with the strongest winds likely to hit the lower and middle Keys. It wouldn't be surprising to see gusts over 50 there Wednesday into early Thursday.
Rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches are also expected for the lower and middle Florida Keys. Some minor storm surge of 1 to 3 feet is possible across portions of the Keys as well.
As far as rain is concerned, South Floridians can expected scattered showers for Tuesday but Wednesday could bring a few severe storms, especially across the lower Keys.
South Florida's weather improves dramatically by late Thursday with a tranquil weekend on tap as Rafael slowly spins down somewhere in the central/northern Gulf.
