Hurricane Rafael forms in the Caribbean and heads toward Cuba with uncertain Gulf path

Hurricane Rafael formed in the Caribbean and is expected to hit Cuba as a Category 3 storm. Its path through the Gulf of Mexico remains uncertain, with forecasts shifting between the Texas-Louisiana border and eastern Louisiana. The National Hurricane Center reported a significant change in Rafael's forecast, suggesting a possible turn toward the Texas-Mexico border. However, there is still considerable uncertainty about the storm's intensity and potential impacts on the Gulf Coast. Forecasters are gathering additional data to improve predictions. The storm's future track depends on the strength of a high-pressure ridge to the north, which could influence whether Rafael weakens or remains strong as it moves through the Gulf.