Tropical Storm Rafael formed in the Caribbean on Monday and is expected to strengthen into a hurricane by Tuesday.
Formerly known as Potential Tropical Storm 18, Rafael developed on Sunday and as of 4 p.m. ET Monday, it was about 275 miles south of Kingston, Jamaica, with winds of 45 mph and moving north at 9 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center.
Rafael is the 17th named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season and could potentially become the 11th hurricane of the season. Peak activity is usually around September 10th, and the season continues until November 30th.
A tropical storm watch has been issued for the lower and middle Florida Keys and Dry Tortugas, and forecasters are monitoring its potential impact on the Gulf Coast. Hurricane warnings have been issued for the Cayman Islands and Jamaica, with Cuban states also under warnings.
Rafael is expected to bring heavy rain to the western Caribbean, with Jamaica potentially receiving up to 9 inches of rain. Minor coastal flooding and storm surges are possible, along with the risk of floods and landslides.
The active hurricane season has already seen the impacts of Hurricanes Helen and Milton in the Southeast. Forecasters predicted a busy season due to record-high sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean.
Experts from Colorado State University and NOAA expected an increased number of hurricanes and named storms this season. An average Atlantic hurricane season typically includes 14 named storms, seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes.
Source: www.nbcnews.com
