Tropical Storm Rafael forms in Caribbean, expected to become a hurricane

A disturbance in the Caribbean strengthened Monday afternoon into Tropical Storm Rafael, which is forecast to become a hurricane Tuesday.

A disturbance in the Caribbean strengthened Monday afternoon into Tropical Storm Rafael, which is forecast to become a hurricane Tuesday.

Rafael, previously known as Potential Tropical Cyclone 18, formed Sunday. At 4 a.m ET Tuesday, it was about 105 miles south-southwest of Kingston, Jamaica, with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph and moving north-west at around 13 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center. 

"A northwestward turn with a little more acceleration is anticipated over the next few days," the center said in its 10 p.m. ET update on the storm.

Rafael is the 17th named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, and it will be the 11th hurricane if it strengthens further, as expected. The season lasts until Nov. 30, though peak activity is usually around Sept. 10.

The storm system is expected to approach the U.S. later in the week, the hurricane center said, and a tropical storm watch was issued Monday afternoon for the lower and middle Florida Keys and for the Dry Tortugas. Parts of Florida and nearby areas of the Southeast could get heavy rain by mid- to late week, though NHC forecasters said it is still too early to make predictions about impacts for the Gulf Coast. 

https://www.nbcnews.com/weather/hurricanes/tropical-storm-rafael-forms-expected-hurricane-rcna178632

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