Newly Named Tropical Storm Rafael Expected To Quickly Become Hurricane As It Heads Toward US

A system in the Caribbean has just strengthened to become a tropical storm.

The projected track and timing of Rafael.
Photo Credit: *National Hurricane Center*

11/04/2024 4:35 p.m.

Rafael became the latest named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season late Monday afternoon, Nov. 4.

After it moves near Jamaica Monday night, it's expected to quickly become a hurricane when it passes at or around the Cayman Islands by Tuesday night, Nov. 5, when a dangerous storm surge is expected.

Tropical storm conditions are expected in Jamaica Monday night into Tuesday morning, the National Hurricane Center said.

Additional strengthening is expected as it advances toward western Cuba on Wednesday, Nov. 6 when hurricane-force winds are possible.

Tropical storm conditions are then possible in the Florida Keys late in the day Wednesday and Wednesday night.

It could then extend to areas of the southeast US toward the end of the week, on Thursday, Nov. 7, and Friday, Nov. 8.

"It is too soon to determine what, if any, impacts Raphael could bring to portions of the northern Gulf Coast," the hurricane center said.

For a look at the latest projected track and timing of Rafael, see the image above.

The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season runs through Saturday, Nov. 30.

Earlier report - System Expected To Become Tropical Storm Projected To Move North Toward US Coast

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