MIAMI – Tropical Depression Eighteen is gaining strength and is expected to become Hurricane Rafael in the coming days, causing concern for millions of people from the Caribbean to the U.S. Gulf Coast.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) forecasts that Tropical Depression Eighteen will intensify into Tropical Storm Rafael as it approaches Jamaica and will further strengthen as it moves northward.
Rafael is predicted to reach hurricane strength as it heads towards the Cayman Islands and Cuba, according to the NHC.
Latest Updates on Tropical Depression 18
With maximum sustained winds of 35 mph, Tropical Depression Eighteen is currently less than 200 miles south of Kingston, Jamaica.
Due to the potential threat posed by Tropical Depression Eighteen, a Tropical Storm Warning has been issued for Jamaica and a Hurricane Warning for the Cayman Islands.
In addition, Hurricane and Tropical Storm Watches have been issued for parts of Cuba.
Forecast for Tropical Depression 18
The NHC anticipates that Tropical Depression Eighteen will continue its northward movement on Monday, with a northwest turn expected later in the day. This pattern is forecasted to continue over the next few days, with Eighteen passing near or over Jamaica on Monday night and the Cayman Islands on Tuesday.
Tropical Depression Eighteen is then projected to approach Cuba on Wednesday.
