Schools in the Florida Keys closed Wednesday as Tropical Storm Rafael swept across the Gulf

Public schools in the Florida Keys will remain closed Wednesday as Tropical Storm Rafael moves across the island chain, Monroe County officials say.

The storm's closer approach is expected to remain about 115 miles southwest of Key West late Wednesday evening, Jon Rizzo, warning coordination meteorologist with the National Weather Service Key West, told the Herald.

Still, Key West, the Lower Keys, the Middle Keys and the Dry Tortugas, as well as the surrounding waters of the island chain, are under a tropical storm warning as of Tuesday morning, meaning tropical storm conditions are expected within 36 hours.

Monroe County Emergency Management released a statement Tuesday warning of possible ocean flooding in parts of the Keys Wednesday evening, with water levels possibly up to a foot higher than the recent high tide.

According to the county, there is a possibility of sustained tropical storm-force winds of 55 mph or greater from Key West to the town of Marathon in the Middle Florida Keys. Strong winds could develop as early as Wednesday morning, but are more likely around midday, officials said.

County officials also warned of a slight threat of severe thunderstorms Wednesday across the Lower and Middle Keys, including some tornadoes. Thunderstorm gusts could produce local wind gusts between 50 and 60 miles per hour, the county release said.

Rainfall totals from Rafael are expected to be between 2 and 3 inches and will cause road flooding in areas with poor drainage.