System that could grow into Hurricane Rafael headed toward Gulf of Mexico

The National Hurricane Center has issued advisories regarding a developing system in the Caribbean that may evolve into Tropical Storm Rafael and could escalate into a hurricane as it heads toward the Gulf of Mexico. Currently positioned about 220 miles south of Kingston, Jamaica, the system is moving north with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph. The Cayman Islands are under a hurricane watch, while Jamaica faces a tropical storm warning. As the storm approaches Cuba on Wednesday, forecasters anticipate it could reach hurricane intensity, with rainfall totals potentially exceeding 9 inches in both Jamaica and Cuba. The system's trajectory suggests it may impact Florida and the southeastern United States later in the week.

Recent model shifts indicate a likelihood of the storm entering the Gulf as a Category 1 hurricane but potentially losing strength before landfall along the Texas or Louisiana coast. The National Weather Service forecasts more than 2 inches of rain for parts of South Florida on Tuesday, accompanied by windy conditions. As the situation develops, residents and officials are urged to stay alert to updates and prepare for possible impacts.