Rafael is expected to become a hurricane as it passes near the Cayman Islands with further strengthening before it makes landfall in Cuba,” the National Hurricane Center in Miami said, per PBS.

Rain, tropical-storm-force winds and even the potential for some tornadoes are possible for some portions of Florida with Tropical Storm Rafael.

Once Rafael enters the Gulf it is expected to remain a strong Category 1 hurricane and make a westerly turn. It should maintain strength until Thursday or Friday as it travels over the Loop Current.