Tropical Storm Rafael Forms, Hurricane Alerts Issued for Florida

Tropical Storm Rafael has formed in the Caribbean and is expected to intensify into a hurricane as it approaches Cuba. A tropical storm watch is in effect for parts of the Florida Keys, with potential impacts on the western Florida Panhandle. The storm is currently moving north at 9 mph and is expected to bring heavy rain and gusty winds to Jamaica and Cuba. The future path of Rafael remains uncertain, with possible landfall along the central Gulf Coast, affecting areas from Louisiana to Alabama, and potentially impacting Florida.