Hurricane Rafael intensifies as it approaches Cuba, evacuation orders issued

Hurricane Rafael is intensifying as it approaches Cuba, expected to make landfall as a Category 2 hurricane on Wednesday. The storm is currently located southeast of the Isle of Youth, with maximum winds of 90 mph. Cuba is already facing challenges from recent hurricanes, including blackouts and recovery efforts after a storm that killed at least six people. Authorities have issued evacuation orders for 37,000 people in eastern Cuba and are urging residents to prepare. The U.S. State Department has advised American citizens to reconsider travel to Cuba due to the storm's potential impact. Flooding, storm surges, and mudslides are anticipated in Cuba and the Cayman Islands, with heavy rains expected to reach parts of Florida later in the week.