A new tropical storm could form in the Caribbean and impact Cuba with hurricane force, after affecting Jamaica and the Cayman Islands with heavy rains, forecast meteorologists.
Meteorologists predict the formation of a new tropical storm in the Caribbean on Monday, which will bring heavy rain to Jamaica and the Cayman Islands before strengthening into a hurricane and probably hitting Cuba.
The storm is expected to be named Rafael and is expected to cause heavy rain in Florida and parts of the southeastern United States during the week, according to advisories from the US National Hurricane Center (NHC).
A tropical storm warning went into effect for Jamaica, while the Cayman Islands remain under a hurricane watch.
“Potential Tropical Cyclone Eighteen” announced Monday morning was located about 355 kilometers (220 miles) south of Kingston, Jamaica. The storm had maximum sustained winds of 55 km/h (35 mph) as it headed north at a speed of 11 km/h (7 mph), the center said.
The storm is expected to be near Jamaica late Monday and be near or over the Cayman Islands Tuesday night into Wednesday. It is forecast to be hurricane-strength when it passes near the Cayman Islands.
The latest forecast shows the storm passing over western Cuba on Wednesday as a hurricane. Residents in Cuba and the Florida Keys were urged to monitor the storm as it develops.
Heavy rain will affect the western Caribbean with totals of 7 to 15 centimeters (3 to 6 inches), although up to 23 centimeters (9 inches) are expected in Jamaica and parts of Cuba. Floods and landslides are also possible.
On the opposite side of the Atlantic Ocean, Tropical Storm Patty was forecast to become a post-tropical cyclone on Monday. The storm was about 785 kilometers (490 miles) east of the Azores, with maximum sustained winds of 65 km/h (40 mph). Authorities have not issued coastal watches or advisories.
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