Tue Nov 05 16:11:36 UTC 2024: ## Tropical Storm Rafael Strengthens, Threatens Caribbean and Florida

**Miami, FL** – Tropical Storm Rafael is intensifying and is forecast to become a hurricane near the Cayman Islands on Tuesday night before reaching Cuba on Wednesday. The storm currently has maximum sustained winds of 95 km/h (60 mph) and is moving northwest at 20 km/h (13 mph).

The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued hurricane warnings for the Cayman Islands and western Cuba, including the capital Havana and the tobacco-growing province of Pinar del Rio. Tropical storm warnings are in effect for Jamaica and central Cuba, as well as a large portion of the Florida Keys.

Rafael could exacerbate the already acute energy crisis in Cuba, which has been experiencing prolonged power outages due to aging infrastructure and fuel shortages. The island is still recovering from Hurricane Oscar, which struck two weeks ago, killing at least six people.

Forecasters warn of heavy rains across the western Caribbean, potentially leading to flooding and mudslides. Rainfall totals of 70mm to 150mm (3 to 6 inches) are expected, with up to 250mm (10 inches) locally in Jamaica and parts of Cuba. Heavy rainfall is also predicted to reach Florida and parts of the southeastern US later this week.

As a precaution, schools and government offices in the Cayman Islands have been closed, and long lines have been reported at grocery stores. Jamaica has also shut down as a precaution. Cuban authorities have issued evacuation orders for about 37,000 people in the eastern province of Guantanamo.

Rafael is the 17th named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, a record number for the period between September 24th and November 4th. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicted a well-above-average hurricane season this year with 17 to 25 named storms, including 13 hurricanes and four major hurricanes.

The hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 30th, though storms are less likely to occur in the final month due to cooler weather. If Rafael becomes a hurricane, it would be the 11th of the season, and the fourth to reach major Category 3 strength.

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