NEW ORLEANS —
Tracking the Tropics:
Tropical Storm Rafael is near the Cayman Islands Tuesday and growing stronger. The storm is expected to become a hurricane as it nears Cuba on Wednesday. The storm will move into later Wednesday and likely remains near hurricane status Thursday and even Friday. As the storm moves further into the Gulf, wind shear, dry air and cooler water temperatures should allow for weakening. That seems fairly certain at this point. However, something that isn't quite certain is the path. Guidance ranges from the storm staying in the central Gulf and dissipating to a weak tropical storm moving inland on the northern Gulf this weekend. Either way impacts are currently expected to be minimal. Check back daily as Rafael moves into the Gulf and forecast becomes clearer.