Tropical Storm Rafael is on track to hit the southern tip of Louisiana by Saturday as it continues to gather strength en route to the Gulf of Mexico, and could become a hurricane by the time it hits Cuba. 

The storm formed over the Caribbean and is poised to become a “rare Gulf November hurricane,” Payton Malone, a meteorologist in New Orleans, wrote on X. 

Malone warns of potential rain and winds, but encourages locals to remain optimistic. He wrote that the storm could taper off on its way to the shore with wind shear, dry air and water temperatures weakening as Rafael nears the northern Gulf closer to the end of the week. 

“It’s still unclear how much of Rafael will even make it here,” Malone wrote. 

“Don’t cancel weekend plans yet but know there could be rain and gusty winds Saturday. Check back!”

Beyond New Orleans, Rafael will also bring heavy rainfall to Florida, with tropical storm warnings being issued for parts of the Florida Keys and the Dry Tortugas. 

Jamaica has also been issued a tropical storm warning, while the Cayman Islands have been placed under a hurricane warning.

The storm is expected to keep its strength as it looms over the Caribbean and will likely be a Category 1 or 2 hurricane when it makes landfall in Cuba on Wednesday. 

Most recently, Rafael was growing about 175 miles south of Kingston, Jamaica. It had maximum sustained winds of 45 mph while moving north at 9 mph, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center.

Minor coastal flooding is possible in Jamaica throughout Monday evening, while the Cayman Islands could face a storm surge of up to 3 feet on Tuesday. according to the NHC. The storm could also spark floods and mudslides in parts of Jamaica and Cuba.

Rafael — the 17th named storm of the season — could become the 11th hurricane of the Atlantic hurricane season.

With Post Wires.