The severe weather system is expected to intensify rapidly in the coming days as it approaches the mainland U.S.

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

The storm is expected to move through the Caribbean in the next few days. Forecasters are uncertain of where it will go once it enters the Gulf of Mexico by the middle of the week.

The National Hurricane Center forecasts Tropical Storm Rafael to grow into the season’s 11th hurricane on Tuesday as it moves toward Cuba with winds and storm surge expected to only sideswipe Florida as it moves into the Gulf of Mexico.