Tropical Storm Rafael forms in the Caribbean, could hit Cuba as a hurricane

ATLANTA — Severe Weather Team 2 says Tropical Depression 18 has formed into Tropical Storm Rafael in the Caribbean.

The National Hurricane Center began issuing its first advisories on the system Sunday afternoon.

[DOWNLOAD: Free Severe Weather Team 2 App for alerts wherever you go]

Severe Weather Team 2 Chief Meteorologist Brad Nitz says the system is expected to intensify into a hurricane by Wednesday.

The storm was expected to move near Jamaica late Monday, be near or over the Cayman Islands late Tuesday as a hurricane and approach Cuba on Wednesday.

Heavy rainfall will affect the western Caribbean with totals of 3 to 6 inches and up to 9 inches expected locally in Jamaica and parts of Cuba. Flooding and mudslides are possible.

On the opposite side of the Atlantic Ocean, Tropical Storm Patty dissipated.

Here’s what to know for Monday:

• Breezy and cool, few sprinkles and showers in north Georgia
• Mainly dry and warmer on Election Day, with highs in the mid to upper 70s
• More widespread rain moves in Wednesday, especially south and east of Atlanta

[INTERACTIVE: StormTracker 2HD Radar]

[UPLOAD PHOTOS: Share your weather photos with us here]

©2024 Cox Media Group