MIAMI – Millions of people from the Caribbean to the U.S. Gulf Coast are keeping an eye on Tropical Storm Rafael as the system becomes more organized and is forecast to develop into a hurricane within the next few days.

The tropical storm was designated Tropical Depression Eighteen by the National Hurricane Center (NHC) before developing into a sufficient center of circulation wind Speeds will reach tropical storm status Monday afternoon.

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In the US, the Florida Keys are already on tropical storm alert on Wednesday as Rafael enters the Gulf of Mexico.

“It is too early to determine what impact, if any, Rafael may have on portions of the northern Gulf Coast,” the NHC said.

Where is Tropical Storm Rafael?

This graphic shows the latest on Tropical Storm Rafael.
(FOX Weather)

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Tropical Storm Rafael is approximately 150 miles (240 kilometers) from Kingston, Jamaica, with maximum winds of 45 miles per hour.

According to the NHC, it is moving north-northwest at a speed of 9 miles per hour.

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Rafael is expected to strengthen into a hurricane on Tuesday as it approaches the Cayman Islands. Before it gets there, tropical storm conditions are expected in Jamaica overnight and into Tuesday morning.

This graphic shows the current watches and warnings due to Tropical Storm Rafael.
(FOX Weather)

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Due to the potential threat from Tropical Storm Rafael, a tropical storm warning has been issued for the lower and central Florida Keys, from Key West to west of the Channel 5 Bridge and for the Dry Tortugas.

A tropical storm warning is in effect for Jamaica.

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

What is the forecast for Tropical Storm Rafael?

The forecast cone for Tropical Storm Rafael.
(FOX Weather)

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According to the NHC, Tropical Storm Rafael will turn northwest overnight. This application is expected to continue in the next few days. Rafael will move near Jamaica overnight and will be near or over the Cayman Islands late Tuesday.

Tropical Storm Rafael is expected to approach Cuba on Wednesday.