Tropical Storm Rafael is expected to hit New Orleans on Saturday and could soon become a hurricane

Tropical Storm Rafael is on track to hit the southern tip of Louisiana by Saturday as it continues to gain strength as it heads toward the Gulf of Mexico and could become a hurricane by the time it reaches Cuba.

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

Malone warns of possible rain and wind but encourages locals to remain optimistic. He wrote that the storm could weaken as it moves toward the coast as wind shear, dry air and weaker water temperatures could occur as Rafael approaches the northern Gulf toward the end of the week.

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

“Don’t cancel your weekend plans just yet, but be aware that there is a chance of rain and gusty winds on Saturday. Check back!”

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

A tropical storm warning has also been issued for Jamaica, while a hurricane warning is in effect for the Cayman Islands.

The storm is expected to maintain strength as it looms over the Caribbean and will likely be a Category 1 or 2 hurricane when it hits Cuba on Wednesday.

Rafael last grew about 175 miles south of Kingston, Jamaica. According to the U.S. National Hurricane Center, it had maximum sustained winds of 45 mph while it moved north at 9 mph.

Minor coastal flooding is possible in Jamaica throughout Monday evening, while the Cayman Islands could see a storm surge of up to 3 feet on Tuesday. according to the NHC. The storm could also trigger flooding 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.