Steady to rapid intensification is forecast over the next 24 to 36 hours, Rafael became a Category 1 hurricane in the northwestern Caribbean.

The storm is expected to continue strengthening is it moves to the northwest and will likely become a hurricane by early Wednesday.

From there, the forecast takes Rafael past Jamaica, which remains under a tropical storm warning, and the Caymans, which remain under a hurricane warning, on Tuesday. The lower Florida Keys and Dry Tortugas are under a tropical storm watch.