Hurricane Rafael makes landfall in Cuba as a Category 3 storm

Hurricane Rafael made landfall in western Cuba on Wednesday as a Category 3 storm, bringing heavy winds and rain. It peaked with sustained winds of 115 miles per hour before weakening to a Category 2 as it crossed the island. The storm caused widespread power outages and damage to homes and infrastructure in Cuba, but no fatalities have been reported. Rafael has since moved into the central Gulf of Mexico, regaining strength as a Category 3 hurricane with winds of 120 miles per hour. Rafael is expected to continue moving westward in the Gulf, with potential fluctuations in intensity. Swells from the storm may create dangerous surf and rip currents along the Gulf coast in the coming days.