Tropical storm Rafael approaching Cuba

Rafael has strengthened into a hurricane as it moves through the southern Caribbean Sea. The category 1 storm has maximum sustained winds of 75 mph and is approaching the Cayman Islands. It will be near or over western Cuba Wednesday, and move into the Gulf of Mexico by Wednesday night.

Forecasters at the National Hurricane Center said a “steady to rapid intensification” is expected during the next 24 hours. Heavy rainfall is predicted through early Thursday across Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, and parts of Cuba. Isolated totals up to 10 inches are anticipated across higher terrain, which could lead to flash flooding and mudslides.