SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico -- Tropical Storm Rafael strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane on Tuesday as it moved past the Cayman Islands towards western Cuba, where it is expected to make landfall as a Category 2 hurricane.
The storm was located 60 miles (95 kilometers) northeast of Little Cayman in the Cayman Islands on Tuesday morning, with maximum sustained winds of 80 mph (130 kph) and a northwest movement at 13 mph (20 kph), according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami.
Forecasters indicated that Rafael is set to impact Cuba on Wednesday, following heavy rainfall in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands on Tuesday. Authorities have warned of potential floods, storm surges, and mudslides.
In response to the impending storm, the U.S. State Department issued an advisory for Cuba, recommending non-essential personnel and American citizens consider departure options. The Cuban Civil Defense urged citizens to prepare promptly, emphasizing the importance of staying indoors once the storm arrives.
Evacuations were ordered for 37,000 individuals in the Guantanamo province due to adverse weather conditions. A hurricane warning is currently in effect for the Cayman Islands and several Cuban provinces, including Pinar del Rio and La Habana.
Additionally, a tropical storm warning covers Villa Clara, Cienfuegos, Sancti Spiritus, and Ciego de Avila in Cuba, as well as parts of the Florida Keys. The storm has prompted school and government office closures in the Cayman Islands, with residents urged to stock up on supplies.
Heavy rainfall is projected to extend into Florida and the southeastern U.S. later this week, with storm surges expected to reach 1 to 3 feet in Dry Tortugas and 1 to 2 feet in the Lower Florida Keys. Tornadoes are also anticipated over the Keys and southwestern Florida on Wednesday.
Rafael marks the 17th named storm of the season, with NOAA forecasting an above-average hurricane season for 2024, estimating between 17 and 25 named storms, including up to 13 hurricanes and four major hurricanes.