MIAMI — A new tropical storm is anticipated to develop on Monday in the Caribbean, bringing significant rainfall to Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. Forecasters predict that the storm will strengthen to hurricane status and may impact Cuba as it progresses.

Expected to be named Rafael, the storm is also forecasted to deliver heavy rain to Florida and other areas in the Southeastern United States later this week, according to updates from the U.S. National Hurricane Center based in Miami.

Currently, a tropical storm warning has been issued for Jamaica, along with a hurricane watch for the Cayman Islands.

As of Monday morning, the system known as “Potential Tropical Cyclone Eighteen” was positioned approximately 220 miles (355 kilometers) south of Kingston, Jamaica. The storm boasts maximum sustained winds of 35 mph (55 kph) and is moving northward at a speed of 7 mph (11 kph), according to the center.

The storm is expected to approach Jamaica by late Monday and should reach the proximity of the Cayman Islands by late Tuesday into Wednesday. It could be nearing hurricane strength as it passes near the Cayman Islands.

Forecasts indicate that the storm may cross over western Cuba on Wednesday, potentially as a hurricane. Residents in Cuba and the Florida Keys have been advised to remain vigilant as the storm’s development unfolds.

Heavy rains are anticipated across the western Caribbean, with cumulative totals expected to reach between 3 to 6 inches (7 to 15 centimeters), and localized areas in Jamaica and parts of Cuba may see up to 9 inches (23 cm). This could result in flooding and mudslides.

Meanwhile, in the Atlantic Ocean, Tropical Storm Patty is predicted to transition into a post-tropical cyclone on Monday. The storm is currently located about 490 miles (785 kilometers) east of the Azores and has maximum sustained winds of 40 mph (65 kph). At this time, there are no coastal watches or warnings associated with Patty.