Tracking the Tropics: System in Caribbean expected to become a tropical cyclone today

Potential Tropical Cyclone Eighteen is approximately 325 miles south of Jamaica and may become #Rafael on Monday.

Latest forecast track brings this system near Jamaica late Monday and the Cayman Islands and western Cuba Tuesday into Wednesday, likely reaching hurricane strength during this time.

The system enters the Gulf by mid week with increasing rain chances across the FL peninsula and a low (10%-20%) chance of tropical-storm-force winds for immediate coastal areas, though the core of this system is generally expected to remain far enough offshore to prevent a higher wind threat for our area if it remains on the current forecast track. However, this will need to be monitored closely as some uncertainty remains in the longer term track and intensity of this system be sure to stay tuned for updates in the coming days.