Tropical Storm Rafael Forms in the Caribbean Sea

The tropical depression On Monday morning, 18 developed in the Caribbean Sea, and by Monday afternoon, it is expected to intensify and turn into Tropical Storm Rafael. As it moves across the northwest Caribbean Sea, it will then intensify into a hurricane by the middle of the week.

A hurricane watch and tropical storm watch are already in effect in Cuba, and the NHC believes Tropical Storm Rafael will continue to strengthen and turn into Hurricane Rafael by Tuesday.

"The brewing tropical storm is expected to make a northeastward turn across Jamaica and Cuba this week, bringing heavy downpours and gusty winds to those islands." AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Alan Reppert said.

The storm may have several possible routes once it moves across the northern Caribbean, so Floridians in the western panhandle region should monitor its progress during the coming week.

Tropical Storm Several factors make it difficult to establish the long-range forecast trajectory or intensity, but Rafael is expected to hit the Gulf of Mexico this week.

The potential of flooding from the storm in Florida and other Southeast states will be greatly affected by any changes. Before the storm's possible arrival in these regions, it is intensifying the rainfall in those locations. This implies that the risk of flooding will be higher in any places that do receive rain from the storm later this week or over the weekend.

Early Monday, the Cayman Islands, Jamaica, and Cuba are already under hurricane and tropical storm warnings. In the days ahead, further alerts will probably be sent out as confidence in the system's overall strength and trajectory increases.

Tropical Storm Rafael is traveling north at around 9 mph. It is anticipated to journey northwest later today and stay that way for the next several days. On Tuesday, the tropical depression is expected to be over or close to the Cayman Islands after arriving in Jamaica on Monday night. It will make its way to Cuba on Wednesday.

Although November is usually when tropical activity ends, storms can still occur in the month. However, 98% of named storms land in the US before November, making US landfalls extremely unusual, according to hurricane specialist Michael Lowry. On November 30, the Atlantic hurricane season comes to a close.