Tropical Storm Rafael Targets Caribbean, U.S. Gulf Coast

Potential Tropical Cyclone Eighteen, soon to be named Tropical Storm Rafael, is forming in the Caribbean and could become a hurricane as it approaches Cuba. The National Hurricane Center has issued a hurricane watch for the Cayman Islands and anticipates heavy rainfall across Jamaica and Cuba, with totals up to 9 inches possible. As Rafael moves into the Gulf of Mexico, its path and intensity remain uncertain, but it may impact the U.S. Gulf Coast, particularly Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, by the weekend. Environmental conditions are initially favorable for strengthening, but the storm may weaken due to adverse weather factors later in the week. The storm's development highlights the unusual activity in this late stage of hurricane season, which could still yield additional named storms. Observers along the Gulf Coast should remain vigilant as forecasts evolve.