Hurriane Tropical Storm: The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued a hurricane watch for the Cayman Islands and a tropical storm warning for Jamaica as a developing tropical system strengthens in the western Caribbean. Dubbed “Potential Tropical Cyclone Eighteen,” the system is expected to intensify over the coming days, bringing heavy rainfall, flooding, and potentially hurricane-force winds to parts of the Caribbean before impacting the U.S. Gulf Coast later in the week.

Early Monday, the storm was located roughly 275 miles south of Kingston, Jamaica, and about 465 miles southeast of Grand Cayman, moving north with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph. Forecasters expect it to strengthen into Tropical Storm Rafael, and possibly a hurricane, as it advances through warm waters in the northwestern Caribbean.

The system is projected to approach Jamaica by late Monday, with impacts reaching the Cayman Islands by Tuesday. Heavy rain is forecast across Jamaica, Cuba, and the western Caribbean, with potential for 3-6 inches and localized totals up to 9 inches, increasing the risk of flash flooding and mudslides. In addition, residents in Florida and along the Gulf Coast are urged to monitor updates closely as the storm could bring heavy rainfall and gusty winds to the southeastern U.S. by mid-week.

According to Dan Pydynowski, a senior meteorologist at AccuWeather, the system has favorable conditions for further development, with warm sea temperatures and low wind shear that could facilitate its growth. However, once it reaches the Gulf of Mexico, cooler waters and upper-level wind shear may weaken the storm before it reaches American shores.

The hurricane center noted that the storm season remains active with multiple systems still possible in the coming weeks. This year has already seen several intense storms, underscoring the continued need for caution along vulnerable coastal areas.