Potential Tropical Cyclone Eighteen Could Impact US Amidst Active Hurricane Season

A potential tropical cyclone in the western Caribbean, possibly becoming Hurricane Rafael, could impact the U.S. Gulf Coast later this week. The system has prompted hurricane and tropical storm warnings in the Cayman Islands and Jamaica, with Cuba also expected to be affected. While conditions in the Caribbean are favorable for strengthening, the storm may weaken as it moves north due to cooler waters and wind shear. This comes amid a highly damaging hurricane season, with significant impacts expected even if Rafael remains a tropical storm.