Tropical Storm Rafael strengthening as it approaches Cayman Islands

Published by BBNTEAM at November 5, 2024

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Posted: Tuesday, November 5, 2024. 3:43 pm CST.

By Zoila Palma Gonzalez: Tropical Storm Rafael is strengthening as it moves toward the Cayman Islands, bringing heavy rainfall and potential flooding to parts of the western Caribbean.

As of 4:00 PM EST, the storm was located about 105 miles east of Grand Cayman and about 120 miles (190 km) west-northwest of Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Rafael is moving northwest at 15 mph, with a forecasted path that will bring the storm near or over the Cayman Islands this evening and tonight.

It is expected to pass near western Cuba on Wednesday and move into the southeastern Gulf of Mexico by Wednesday night.

Data from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) shows that Rafael’s maximum sustained winds have increased to near 70 mph (110 km/h), with higher gusts.

The storm is expected to continue strengthening over the next 24 hours, likely becoming a hurricane as it passes the Cayman Islands before reaching Cuba.

Heavy rainfall is expected to affect the western Caribbean, with Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, and western Cuba particularly at risk.

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