Caribbean News Now!

By Caribbean News Now contributor

MIAMI, USA -- At 5:00 pm EDT on Sunday, the centre of Tropical Storm Rafael was located about 185 miles north-northeast of San Juan, Puerto Rico, and about 800 miles south of Bermuda, moving toward the north-northwest near 10 mph. This general motion was forecast to continue through Sunday night, with a turn toward the north expected on Monday.

A tropical storm watch is in effect for Bermuda.

According to the National Hurricane Center in Miami, on the forecast track, the centre of Rafael will remain well east of The Bahamas through Monday night and could approach Bermuda late Tuesday. Maximum sustained winds are near 60 mph, with higher gusts. Strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours and Rafael could become a hurricane by Monday night.

Rafael is expected to produce total rainfall amounts of 4 to 8 inches, with isolated maximum amounts of 12 inches, over the Leeward Islands. These rains could cause life-threatening flash floods and mud slides, especially in areas of mountainous terrain. Rainfall amounts of 1 to 3 inches are possible in the Virgin Islands, Culebra and Vieques.

Tropical-storm-force winds are possible in Bermuda by Tuesday afternoon.

Swells generated by Rafael are expected to affect the eastern-facing beaches of The Bahamas during the next few days. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.

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