MIAMI — Tropical Storm Rafael lashed the Leeward Islands with heavy rains Sunday, threatening to strengthen into a hurricane within a day, US-based forecasters said. The storm was centered at 8 A.M. EDT Sunday about 165 km north-northwest of St. Martin and was gradually moving away from the Virgin Islands, the US National Hurricane Center in Miami said. Rafael had top sustained winds of 85 kph and was moving north-northwest at 19 kph. Forecasters said Rafael could become a hurricane by Monday, adding interests in Bermuda should monitor Rafael's progress. A tropical storm warning has been discontinued for Anguilla. Earlier in the day, a tropical storm watch was discontinued for Puerto Rico. — AP
