//Hurricane Rafael Upgraded to Category 3: What You Need to Know//

Major Hurricane Rafael Strengthens and Shifts Path Towards the Gulf_______

As Hurricane Rafael gains strength, it has been upgraded to a Category 3 storm, with maximum sustained winds reaching approximately 115 mph. The storm now features a well-defined eye and a double eyewall, a sign of intensification confirmed by the National Hurricane Center (NHC) and data from NOAA and Air Force Hurricane Hunters.

Currently positioned near western Cuba, Rafael is approaching the Gulf of Mexico, where warm waters and minimal wind shear are fostering its growth. Although an eyewall replacement cycle may briefly slow its intensification, Rafael is projected to remain a major hurricane as it nears Cuba’s coast.

Landfall in Cuba Expected: Hurricane Warnings Issued//

Residents in western Cuba, including the Isle of Youth, are under a hurricane warning and advised to prepare for potentially life-threatening conditions. Expected impacts include severe storm surges, destructive waves, and hurricane-force winds. Tropical-storm-force winds are also likely to reach the Lower and Middle Florida Keys later today, posing additional risks to those areas.

After crossing Cuba, Rafael is expected to track northwest across the southeastern and southern Gulf of Mexico. Increased wind shear and dry air in parts of the Gulf may weaken the storm, though a more southerly path could allow it to remain stronger than forecasted. As Rafael moves under the influence of high-pressure systems over the southwestern Atlantic, its trajectory is projected to shift westward into the Gulf. 

Forecast models show relative agreement on Rafael’s path over the next two to three days. However, projections beyond that are uncertain, especially as the high-pressure system shifts westward, which could steer Rafael further south than initially predicted.

Although it’s too early to predict Rafael’s exact impact on the western Gulf Coast, forecasters urge residents along the coast to stay alert. Rafael’s potential path and strength remain uncertain, and changes in environmental conditions could still alter the hurricane's intensity and trajectory.

For continuous updates, visit the National Hurricane Center’s website or sign up for real-time alerts from trusted sources like WGNO.