Tropical Storm Rafael may become a hurricane today 

Photo: Ricardo López Hevia

In its transit through the seas to the west of Jamaica, tropical storm Rafael, the seventeenth of the current cyclonic season, will find favorable conditions to gain in organization and intensity, being able to reach the category of hurricane today, as it advances towards the vicinity of the Cayman Islands.As reported to Granma by Dr. Miriam Teresita Llanes, head of the Forecast Center of the Meteorological Institute, showers, rains and thunderstorms will continue today in the eastern and central regions, which may be strong and locally intense. Precipitations will later extend to the west of the Cuban archipelago.According to the specialist, the effects of wind and sea along the country will depend on the trajectory and intensity reached by this tropical cyclonic organism, which represents a potential danger for the western provinces and the special municipality Isla de la Juventud.Taking into account this condition and its probable displacement to the northwest, the Forecast Center keeps a close watch on the future evolution of tropical storm Rafael, and the possible impacts it may cause in the country.