Hurricane Rafael causes power outage in Cuba and shifts path toward Mexico's Gulf Coast

Hurricane Rafael struck Cuba as a Category 3 storm, causing a nationwide power outage that lasted about 24 hours. The storm's winds led to significant damage, with crews working to restore electricity across the island. Rafael has shifted its path away from the U.S., now expected to track westward in the Gulf of Mexico, increasing the threat to Mexico's Gulf Coast. The storm is likely to weaken to a tropical storm by early next week. As Rafael moves through the Gulf, it may create rough seas and dangerous rip currents along the U.S. Gulf Coast. Oil companies have begun evacuating personnel and shutting down production in preparation for the storm.