A broad area of low pressure in the western Caribbean Sea is becoming better organized and the National Hurricane Center is initiating advisories on the system as of 4 p.m. Sunday.

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 been issued for Jamaica.