Hurricane Rafael strengthens and shifts path toward southern Texas

Hurricane Rafael is expected to strengthen into a major storm before hitting Cuba and then moving into the Gulf of Mexico. The storm has shifted its path westward, now targeting southern Texas instead of Louisiana. As of Wednesday morning, Rafael is a Category 2 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 110 mph. It will weaken over Cuba but is forecast to maintain hurricane status as it enters the Gulf. Rafael could bring significant impacts to Cuba, including storm surges up to 14 feet and heavy rainfall. The storm may also spawn tornadoes in the Florida Keys. Its future path and strength remain uncertain as it approaches the U.S. Gulf Coast.