Tropical Storm Rafael is on the brink of hurricane strength as it move northwest in the Caribbean Sea towards Cuba.
After crossing the island mid-week, it will move towards the central Gulf of Mexico.
Forecasts start to vary by the end of the week on where Rafael heads after that.
Some forecasts call for a turn to the north toward the central U.S. Gulf coast. Others expect the storm to move west.
The National Hurricane Center's forecast for now splits the difference.
"It is too soon to determine what, if any, impacts Rafael could bring to portions of the northern Gulf Coast," said NHC Senior Hurricane Specialist Jack Beven. "Residents in this area should regularly monitor updates to the forecast."
