Hurricane Rina Could Become Major Hurricane By Tuesday

Category one storm expected to strengthen by tomorrow evening

Tropical Storm Rina became a category one hurricane Monday as it churned slowly through the Caribbean Sea, forecasters at the National Hurricane Center in Miami said.

Reports from an Air Force Reserve hurricane hunter aircraft indicated that Rina's maximum sustained winds have increased to near 75 miles per hour with higher gusts.

Additional strengthening is expected as NHC forecaster expect Rina to become a major hurricane by Tuesday. 

Coastal watches and warnings are not yet in effect but authorities are urging those in Belize, the eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, and adjacent islands to pay close attention.

As of 5 p.m. Rina is about 195 miles southwest of Grand Cayman, moving northwest at 3 miles per hour.

Experts expect the storm to dump between two to four inches of rain over the Cayman Islands.

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