Path and Warnings
, with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph, is moving northwest towards the and is forecasted to strengthen into a hurricane before making landfall in .
Hurricane warnings are in effect for the Cayman Islands and several Cuban provinces, while tropical storm warnings and watches extend to and other regions, indicating widespread preparations and evacuations.
Impact and Forecast
Heavy rains, potentially leading to flooding and mudslides, are expected across the western Caribbean, with up to 10 inches of rain in some areas. The storm may also affect and the with rainfall and possible tornadoes.
Rafael is the 17th named storm of the season, with predicting an above-average hurricane season. The storm's path suggests it could reach the by Saturday, potentially as a hurricane.