Hurricane Rafael strengthens to Category 2 as Cuba prepares for impact
Hurricane Rafael has strengthened into a Category 2 storm, with maximum winds of 90 mph. It is expected to make landfall in Cuba on Wednesday, bringing damaging winds and a life-threatening storm surge. The National Hurricane Center forecasts Rafael will weaken briefly over Cuba but remain a hurricane as it moves into the Gulf of Mexico. A storm surge of 8-12 feet is expected along Cuba's southern coast. Warnings are in effect for the Cayman Islands and several Cuban provinces. Tropical storm conditions are also anticipated in parts of the Florida Keys. Rainfall totals of 4-10 inches could lead to flash flooding and mudslides.