WASHINGTON — Hurricane Rafael is expected to move over Cuba later Wednesday. The National Hurricane Center is forecasting the storm to peak to near major hurricane status as it approaches the island. A major hurricane is Category 3 and higher.
Rafael is expected to bring large waves, flooding rain and storm surge to Cuba. The outer bands of the storm will also bring heavy rain to Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. These areas can expect 4 to 7 inches of rain with isolated higher amounts.
The outer edges of the storm could bring rain to the Gulf States such as Florida, Texas, and Louisiana. Even without a direct hit, the outer bands could still spark tornadoes in areas such as Florida and the Florida Keys.
The storm will weaken as it moves toward the U.S. due to wind sheer, cooler ocean temperatures, and dry air. Currently, a direct hit to the U.S. as a tropical system is not forecasted.
If it does come to land in the U.S., it will likely not be a hurricane, or even a tropical storm. However, moisture from what's left of the storm could fuel rain chances between late Sunday and early Monday. There still time for the forecast to change.
