Tropical Storm Rafael formed Monday afternoon in the Caribbean Sea, where it is expected to cross Jamaica, the Grand Cayman Islands, and Cuba, before entering the Gulf of Mexico this week. It is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane before weakening back down to a tropical storm in the Gulf.

The National Hurricane Center has said "environmental conditions are very favorable for continued intensification."

Hurricane Rafael has formed on a path towards Cuba and is expected to bring tropical storm-strength winds and rain to the country, before continuing into the Gulf of Mexico and threatening the southeastern United States. Only when tropical cyclones in the ...