Rafael is forecast to strengthen Tuesday and will likely become a hurricane over the next 24 hours as it batters the western Caribbean on the first leg of an uncertain journey toward the US Gulf Coast.

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

Tropical Storm Raphael is likely to continue to strengthen over the very warm Caribbean over the next 24–36 hours, where it is expected to reach category 1 strength.