Tropical Storm Rafael Forms in the Caribbean, Expected to Become Hurricane in Next 24 Hours
By Space Coast Daily // November 4, 2024
rapid strengthening is now forecast Through Tuesday
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Tropical Storm Rafael has formed in the Caribbean Sea, according to the latest report by the National Hurricane Center.
Tropical Storm Rafael is moving toward the north near 9 mph.
A northwestward motion is expected to begin later tonight and forecast to continue for the next few days.
On the forecast track, the system is expected to move near Jamaica late tonight, be near or over the Cayman Islands late Tuesday, and approach Cuba on Wednesday.
Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 45 mph with higher gusts.
Steady to rapid strengthening is now forecast and the system is forecast to become a hurricane on Tuesday.
Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 105 miles from the center.
The estimated minimum central pressure based on data from the Air Force Hurricane Hunters is 997 mb (29.44 inches).
