Tropical Storm Rafael

Tropical Storm Rafael is intensifying and nearing hurricane strength as it passes over the Cayman Islands tonight, bringing strong hurricane-force winds, dangerous storm surges and damaging waves. By Wednesday, Rafael will approach Western Cuba and the Isle of Youth under a hurricane warning, with risks of severe surges and destructive waves. Heavy rain is expected across the western Caribbean through Thursday, impacting Jamaica, the Cayman Islands and southern and western Cuba. Our teams are closely monitoring conditions and preparing for response needs.

Our team is closely monitoring Potential Tropical Cyclone Eighteen, currently moving northward toward Jamaica. The system is expected to strengthen into a tropical storm today and could intensify further, potentially becoming Hurricane Rafael as it moves through the Gulf of Mexico.

Forecasts remain highly uncertain, with possible shifts in its path and intensity over the coming days. If the storm tracks toward heavily populated areas, impacts could be significant, but current projections are still evolving.