MIAMI – Tropical Storm Rafael continues to strengthen and remains on track to become a hurricane, as parts of the Caribbean prepare for the effects of damaging hurricane winds, flooding rain and a dangerous storm surge.

The late-season tropical storm was initially designated Tropical Depression Eighteen by the National Hurricane Center (NHC) before the system became better organized and developed enough of a center of circulation and high wind speeds to reach tropical storm status Monday afternoon.

TROPICAL STORM RAFAEL TRACKER: FORECAST CONE, SPAGHETTI PLOTS, MAPS, WARNINGS AND MORE

The NHC said Rafael is in an atmospheric and oceanic environment that is “moderately conducive to amplification.”

In addition, the NHC said computer forecast models show there is a “significant probability” that Rafael could rapidly intensify as it approaches the Cayman Islands and Cuba.

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“After Rafael moves into the Gulf of Mexico, drier air and stronger vertical wind shear should halt the strengthening process,” the NHC said in its forecast discussion.

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Where is Tropical Storm Rafael?

This image shows the latest news about Tropical Storm Rafael.
(FOX Weather)

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According to the latest advisory from the NHC, Rafael is located approximately 65 miles southwest of Montego Bay, Jamaica, and is moving northwest at a speed of 13 miles per hour.

Rafael has maximum sustained winds of 100 km per hour and strengthening is expected to continue. Tropical storm conditions are expected to continue to batter Jamaica until Tuesday afternoon.

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Warnings have been issued for Tropical Storm Rafael.

(FOX Weather)

Numerous tropical weather warnings have been issued across the region, from the Caribbean to the southeastern US

A new tropical storm warning was issued for the lower and middle Florida Keys from Key West to west of the Channel 5 Bridge, as well as Dry Tortugas. A tropical storm warning remains in effect for Jamaica, as well as the Cuban provinces of Villa Clara, Cienfuegos, Sancti Spiritus and Ciego de Avila.

A hurricane warning is in effect for the Cayman Islands, as well as the Cuban provinces of Pinar del Rio, Artemisa, La Habana, Mayabeque, Matanzas and the Isle of Youth.

A Tropical Storm Watch is also in effect for the Cuban provinces of Camaguey and Las Tunas.

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What is the forecast for Tropical Storm Rafael?

The forecast cone for Tropical Storm Rafael.

(FOX Weather)

According to the NHC, Rafael is expected to continue its general northwestward movement in the coming days. On that track, the tropical storm is expected to move near Jamaica on Tuesday morning, near or over the Cayman Islands on Tuesday evening, and near or over western Cuba on Wednesday.

There are still some questions about what will happen to Tropical Storm Rafael after it reaches the Gulf of Mexico, and those along the U.S. Gulf Coast should continue to monitor its progress.

“It is too early to determine what impacts Rafael could have on portions of the northern Gulf Coast,” the NHC said. “Residents in this area should regularly monitor weather forecast updates.