Hurricane Rafael makes landfall in western Cuba as a Category 3 storm
Hurricane Rafael made landfall in western Cuba on Wednesday as a Category 3 hurricane, with winds reaching up to 129 mph. This marks a significant increase in strength from earlier classifications. The storm is expected to bring dangerous conditions, including storm surge, hurricane-force winds, and heavy rainfall. Areas in western Cuba could see 4 to 12 inches of rain, leading to flash flooding and mudslides. In the U.S., tropical storm conditions are anticipated in the lower and middle Florida Keys, with 1 to 3 inches of rain possible. Tornadoes may also occur in these regions through Wednesday evening.