A tropical storm warning was issued for the Florida Keys as Rafael predicted it would strengthen into a hurricane

MIAMI – A tropical storm warning is now in effect for the lower and central Florida Keys Tropical Storm Rafael is expected to steadily strengthen as it passes the west coast of Jamaica towards Cuba, where it is expected to arrive as a hurricane later in the week.

A tropical storm warning is also issued for parts of Cuba and Jamaica. A hurricane warning is in effect for parts of Cuba and the Cayman Islands.

On Tuesday morning, Rafael strengthened as it approached Jamaica, with sustained winds of 60 mph. It was moving northwest at a speed of 13 miles per hour.

Rafael is expected to move near or over parts of the Cayman Islands on Tuesday evening and near or over western Cuba on Wednesday.

Rafael is expected to become a Category 1 hurricane as it passes near the Cayman Islands and will continue to strengthen before hitting Cuba.

Tropical storm conditions are expected in Jamaica through early Tuesday afternoon, with parts of west-central Cuba and the lower and central Florida Keys on Wednesday and Wednesday evening.

The National Hurricane Center said the heaviest rains are expected in Jamaica on Tuesday and Cuba is expected to face a stronger storm through Wednesday. Rainfall is expected in the Cayman Islands until Tuesday afternoon, possibly into western Cuba and the Isle of Youth until Wednesday.

Heavy rain was expected to spread north into Florida and elsewhere in the southeastern U.S. by mid- to late-week, with up to 3 inches forecast for the lower and central Florida Keys.