Tropical Storm Rafael forms in the Caribbean Sea

MIAMI – Millions of people from the Caribbean to the U.S. Gulf Coast are keeping an eye on Tropical Storm Rafael as the system becomes more organized and is forecast to develop into a hurricane within the next few days.

The tropical storm was designated Tropical Depression Eighteen by the National Hurricane Center (NHC), but eventually developed into a sufficient center of circulation and wind Speeds to reach tropical storm status.

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In the USA, the Florida Keys are already under a tropical storm alert on Wednesday.

“It is too early to determine what impact, if any, Rafael could have on portions of the northern Gulf Coast,” the National Hurricane Center said.

Where is Tropical Storm Rafael?

This graphic shows the latest on Tropical Storm Rafael.
(FOX Weather)

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Tropical Storm Rafael is 175 miles from Kingston, Jamaica, with maximum winds of 45 miles per hour.

According to the NHC, it is moving north at 9 miles per hour.

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Rafael is expected to become a hurricane by Tuesday as it passes the Cayman Islands. Tropical storms are expected in Jamaica on Monday and Tuesday.

This graphic shows the current watches and warnings due to Tropical Storm Rafael.
(FOX Weather)

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Due to the potential threat of Tropical Storm Rafael, a Tropical Storm Warning has been issued for the Lower and Middle Florida Keys from Key West west of the Channel 5 Bridge and for the Dry Tortugas.

A tropical storm warning is in effect for Jamaica.

A hurricane warning remains in effect for the Cayman Islands, while a hurricane warning is in effect for the Cuban provinces of Pinar del Rio, Artemisa, La Habana, Mayabeque, Matanzas and the Isle of Youth.

What is the forecast for Tropical Storm Rafael?

The forecast cone for Tropical Storm Rafael.
(FOX Weather)

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According to the NHC, Tropical Storm Rafael will move further north on Monday and turn northwest later in the day. This application is expected in the next few days. Rafael will be near or over Jamaica on Monday evening and near or over the Cayman Islands on Tuesday.

Tropical Storm Rafael is expected to approach Cuba on Wednesday.