Tropical Storm Rafael gained steam late on Monday as it churned northward toward Cuba, which is still struggling to recover from a nationwide blackout and hurricane two weeks ago. The U.S. National Hurricane Center said Rafael would see "steady or rapid intensification" before plowing across western Cuba with maximum predicted winds of up to 100 mph (160 kph) by Wednesday.

After forming in the Caribbean on Monday afternoon, the National Hurricane Center is monitoring Tropical Storm Rafael as it attempts to gain even more strength Tuesday.Currently located 65 miles southwest of Montego Bay,

Tropical Storm Rafael is expected to strengthen into a hurricane before making landfall in Cuba Wednesday, according to the National Hurricane Center.