Raphael to Hit Cayman Islands and Western Cuba as Storm Warnings Extend to Jamaica

Tropical Storm Raphael, which formed as Tropical Depression 18 on Monday afternoon, will impact the Cayman Islands on Tuesday as a hurricane, according to the National Hurricane Center. Ahead of the arrival of the system, the Cayman Islands government announced the closure of all non-essential offices, services and schools on November 5. Both major airports are also closed as of Tuesday morning, with anticipated re-opening by noon on Wednesday. Portions of western Cuba will also be impacted by hurricane force winds, while other regions will face tropical storm conditions. Tropical storm watches have been issued for some Cuban provinces, as well as for the lower and middle Florida Keys. Raphel comes as Cuba struggles to rebuild its collapsed electricity grid, which failed completely following the passage of Hurricane Oscar. It is feared that any significant impact from Raphael would once again plunge the nation into an extended period of darkness. A tropical storm warning has also b...