MIAMI – Millions of people from the Caribbean to We The Gulf Coast keeps its eyes on Tropical depression Eighteen as the system becomes better organized and is expected to become Hurricane Rafael in the coming days.

According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Tropical Depression 18 will likely strengthen. Tropical storm Rafael is approaching Jamaica and will continue to strengthen as he travels north.

Rafael is expected to be near or at hurricane strength as it heads toward the Cayman Islands and Cuba, according to the NHC.

How to Watch Fox Weather

Tropical Depression Eighteen, previously designated Potential Tropical Cyclone Eighteenhas a sustained maximum winds of 35 mph and is located approximately 200 miles south of Kingston, Jamaica.

The NHC says tropical storm conditions are expected to begin in Jamaica later Monday night, while hurricane conditions are expected in the Cayman Islands beginning Tuesday afternoon and in western Cuba on Wednesday.

Due to the potential threat posed by Tropical Depression 18, a Tropical Storm Warning was issued for Jamaica and a hurricane warning was issued for the Cayman Islands.

Additionally, hurricane and tropical storm watches have been issued for parts of Cuba.

The NHC asserts that those with interests in the Florida Keys should closely monitor the progress of Tropical Depression 18, as tropical storm watches may be issued for the region later Monday.

What to do when watches or warnings are issued for your city

According to the NHC, Tropical Depression 18 will continue to move north Monday and turn northwest later in the day. This motion is expected in the coming days. Tropical Depression 18 will be near or over Jamaica Monday evening and near or over the Cayman Islands Tuesday.

Tropical Depression 18 is then expected to approach Cuba on Wednesday.

The NHC says Tropical Depression 18 will bring heavy rain to parts of the western Caribbean, including Jamaica and parts of Cuba, through midweek, increasing the risk of natural disasters. flood And mudslides throughout the region.

Heavy precipitation is also expected to spread to Florida and the Southeast around the middle or end of the week.

Original article source: Future Rafael is approaching tropical storm strength as Jamaica prepares to feel the wrath of the future hurricane.