By Alric Lindsay
According to an update from the National Hurricane Center this afternoon, November 4, 2024, Tropical Storm Rafael is currently about 175 miles south of Kingston, Jamaica and 395 miles southeast of Grand Cayman. It is expected to impact Jamaica late tonight and Grand Cayman tomorrow, November 5, 2024.
Regarding strength, Tropical Storm Rafael is displaying maximum sustained winds of 45 mph.
Its movement is north at 9 mph, with a northwestward motion starting later tonight.
The system is expected to move near Jamaica late tonight and be near or over the Cayman Islands late Tuesday. Cuba is expected to be affected by Wednesday.
Tropical Storm Rafael is expected to produce heavy rainfall in the Western Caribbean, with the heaviest rainfall occurring over Jamaica and portions of Cuba through mid-week. Rainfall totals between 3 and 6 inches, with locally up to 9 inches, are expected.
As a result of the foregoing, flooding and storm surges are possible in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. The combination of a storm surge and the tide will flood normally dry areas near the coast by moving rising waters inland from the shoreline.
The following watches and warnings are currently in effect:
- A Hurricane Warning is in effect for the Cayman Islands.
- A Hurricane Watch is in effect for the Cuban provinces of Pinar del Rio, Artemisa, La Habana, Mayabeque, Matanzas, and the Isle of Youth.
- A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Jamaica.
- A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for the Cuban provinces of Villa Clara, Cienfuegos, Sancti Spiritus, Ciego de Avila, Camaguey, and Las Tunas, Lower and Middle Florida Keys from Key West to west of the Channel 5 Bridge and Dry Tortugas.
Interests in the Cayman Islands, Cuba, and Jamaica are encouraged to monitor Tropical Storm Rafael, as forecasts may change at any time. In particular, stakeholders should pay attention to information provided by local weather providers regarding specific impacts on relevant areas.
