Hurricane Rafael makes landfall in Cuba as a Category 3 storm

Hurricane Rafael made landfall in Cuba on Wednesday as a Category 3 storm, causing significant damage and widespread power outages. The storm previously affected the Cayman Islands and Jamaica, leading to strong winds and heavy rain. Before the storm hit, the Cuban government issued warnings, closed schools, and canceled flights. Thousands were evacuated from western Cuba as forecasters warned of life-threatening conditions, including storm surges and flash floods. As Rafael moved across Cuba, it weakened to a Category 2 hurricane with winds of 105 mph. The storm is expected to weaken further as it heads toward the southeastern Gulf of Mexico, bringing heavy rainfall to Florida later this week.