Storm Rafael: A New Orleans and Caribbean Challenge

Tropical Storm Rafael, brewing in the Caribbean, is set to hit the southern edge of Louisiana by this Saturday. It's getting stronger and could become a hurricane by the time it reaches Cuba. Payton Malone, a New Orleans meteorologist, described it as a rare November hurricane in the Gulf. The storm's path suggests it's heading towards New Orleans, but Malone warns not to cancel weekend plans just yet. He said wind shear, dry air, and cooler water temperatures could weaken Rafael as it approaches. "It's still unclear how much of Rafael will even make it here, " Malone noted. Beyond New Orleans, Rafael will bring heavy rains to Florida, with tropical storm warnings issued for the Florida Keys and Dry Tortugas. Jamaica and the Cayman Islands are also on alert, with tropical storm and hurricane warnings, respectively. As Rafael moves, it’s expected to maintain its strength, likely becoming a Category 1 or 2 hurricane when it hits Cuba on Wednesday. Minor coastal flooding is possible in Jamaica on Monday, and the Cayman Islands might see a storm surge of up to 3 feet on Tuesday, according to the U. S. National Hurricane Center. The storm could cause floods and mudslides in parts of Jamaica and Cuba. Rafael is the 17th named storm of the season and could become the 11th hurricane of the Atlantic hurricane season.