Rafael upgrades to category 1 hurricane: NHC

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Rafael continued to strengthen as it headed toward the Cayman Islands on Tuesday, becoming a category 1 hurricane according to the National Hurricane Center.

Located 305 miles from Cuba, maximum sustained winds are near 75 mph.

According to NHC, a northwestward motion is expected over the next few days.

Hurricane Rafael is expected to be near or be over Cuba on Wednesday.

National Hurricane Center stated rapid intensification is possible in the next 24 to 36 hours.

A Hurricane Warning is in effect for:

• Cayman Islands
• Cuban provinces of Pinar del Rio, Artemisa, La Habana, Mayabeque, Matanzas, and the Isle of Youth

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for:

• Lower and Middle Florida Keys from Key West to West of the Channel 5 Bridge
• Jamaica
• Cuban provinces of Villa Clara, Cienfuegos, Sancti Spiritus, and Ciego de Avila
• Dry Tortugas

A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for:

• Cuban provinces of Camaguey and Las Tunas