Tropical Storm Rafael Strengthens in the Caribbean

Tropical Storm Rafael Strengthens in the Caribbean
Dangerous Conditions for Jamaica and Cuba
Hurricane Alert in the Cayman Islands

Tropical Storm Rafael continues its advance in the Caribbean, rapidly approaching Jamaica, where tropical storm conditions are expected in the coming hours.

According to the latest bulletin from the National Hurricane Center (NHC), issued on Monday, November 4, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time, the storm is approximately 150 miles (245 km) south of Kingston, Jamaica.

And about 370 miles (600 km) southeast of Grand Cayman.

With maximum sustained winds of 45 mph (75 km/h) and moving north-northwest at 9 mph (15 km/h), Rafael is heading toward the Cayman Islands and western Cuba.

ALERTS ISSUED DUE TO TROPICAL STORM RAFAEL

Tropical Storm Rafael Strengthens in the Caribbean – PHOTO: NHC

In these locations, hurricane and tropical storm alerts and warnings have been issued.

Meteorological authorities warned that significant strengthening of the system is expected in the coming days, which could turn Rafael into a hurricane by Tuesday.

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The Cayman Islands, in particular, should prepare for the arrival of hurricane conditions, while western Cuba and the Isle of Youth will be affected on Wednesday.

Additionally, Jamaica is under a tropical storm warning and is forecast to receive heavy rainfall from Monday night through Tuesday morning.

This is expected to result in accumulations of between 3 and 6 inches, reaching up to 9 inches in some areas, increasing the risk of flooding and landslides.

The NHC has also issued tropical storm alerts for several Cuban provinces, including Villa Clara, Cienfuegos, and Sancti Spíritus, as well as for the Florida Keys.

In Florida, local authorities are urging residents to closely monitor Tropical Storm Rafael’s progression.

Tide increases could cause minor coastal flooding in Jamaica, while in the Cayman Islands, a rise in water levels of between 1 and 3 feet is anticipated on Tuesday.