Tropical Storm Rafael expected to pass between Grand Cayman & the Sister Islands
Tropical Storm Rafael is centered near Jamaica, and is moving northwest at 10 to 15 mph. Bands of heavy rain are currently training over Jamaica. Winds in the country's capital, Kingston, have gusted between 30 and 40 mph.
According to the Weather Channel, Rafael will become a hurricane later today, possibly before it arrives in the Cayman Islands, then will strike western Cuba before moving into the Gulf of Mexico Wednesday night.
Thereafter, Rafael is expected to weaken in the Gulf because it will likely encounter increasingly unfavorable upper-level winds, some dry air and somewhat cooler Gulf of Mexico water.
Heavy rainfall could cause flash flooding and mudslides from southern Haiti's Tiburon Peninsula to Jamaica, the Cayman Islands and parts of western and southern Cuba.
A hurricane warning has been issued for the Cayman Islands and western Cuba. This means that hurricane conditions (74-mph winds or higher) are expected. Hurricane force winds could arrive in the Cayman Islands as soon as this afternoon and in western Cuba Wednesday.
A tropical storm warning has been issued for Jamaica, which means that tropical storm conditions (39- to 73-mph winds) are expected. These conditions are forecast to last in Jamaica through this afternoon.
Life-threatening storm surge flooding is possible in hurricane-warned areas of western Cuba in areas of onshore winds.
Locally, the National Weather Service has advised that Hurricane Warnings remain in effect in effect for all Cayman Islands and through Wednesday morning residents should avoid all marine activities.
Storm Details
• Location: 192 miles SE of Little Cayman and 184 SE of Cayman Brac
• Movement: NW at 13 mph
• Winds: Max sustained winds of 60 mph
Forecasted Conditions (Nov 5 – 8)
• Winds: Gusts up to 40-45 mph, increasing this afternoon
o Rainfall: Up to 7.5 inches over time
• Flood Warning: In effect through Thursday.
• Seas: Rough with waves of 9-13 ft expected today.
Safety Reminders
• Expect flooding and poor visibility in heavy showers.
• Mariners: Stay in safe harbour until further notice.
• Coastal residents: Prepare for high waves and possible flooding.
Next Bulletin at 5:30 PM today.
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