Rafael springs forward in the Atlantic, sets sights on Jamaica, Cuba
Tropical storm conditions are expected to begin in Jamaica soon as Rafael nears the country as the 17th named storm of the Atlantic season
Flooding rains, gusty winds, and coastal flooding are likely for any of the Caribbean islands in the path of Tropical Storm Rafael, the 17th named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season.
The growing system is likely to strengthen into a hurricane by Tuesday as it heads through the western Caribbean. A hurricane warning is in effect for the Cayman Islands, while a tropical storm warning is in effect for Jamaica. Tropical storm and hurricane watches are in effect for parts of Cuba.
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Rafael targets Jamaica and Cuba, likely to reach hurricane status on Tuesday
The 17th tropical storm of the year has developed in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to pass near Jamaica. According to the U.S. National Hurricane Center, the tropical storm has wind speeds of 75 km/h and is moving northward. Its winds are expected to intensify over the coming days and is forecast to become a hurricane by Tuesday, likely to reach Category 2 strength.
This system will encounter a generally favourable atmosphere over the western Caribbean as it moves north-northwest over the next couple of days.
Rafael's track and intensification will be monitored over the coming days. Its early route threatens Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, and western Cuba. In Cuba, it is some of the largest cities, Havana and Varadero, that could receive heavy rain and strong wind gusts. The NHC forecast indicates that the storm could hit Cuba as a Category 2-strength storm.
Rafael is expected to enter the Gulf of Mexico by Wednesday. Fortunately, Rafael is expected to weaken before making landfall in the Gulf states due to wind shear in the Gulf of Mexico. The southern United States could still be hit by a tropical storm. However, the risk of flooding, landslides and sudden floods should not be underestimated.
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The hurricane season slowed down in August, which is quite unusual. The peak of hurricane season occurs around Sept. 10. However, tropical activity resumed at the end of the season with about 10 storms named since Sept. 24. This is a record according to specialist Phillip Klotzbach.
The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs through Nov. 30, though it’s still possible for storms to form after that date. Many of the late-season storms we see develop in November form in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, which can reduce the amount of time coastal residents have to prepare before these storms hit land.
With files from MeteoMedia, The Weather Network's sister network in Quebec.