Hurricane Rafael strengthens to Category 2 as it approaches Cuba, impacting potential Tropical Storm Sara
Hurricane Rafael strengthened to a Category 2 hurricane on Tuesday, with maximum winds of 115 mph. It is expected to make landfall in Cuba on Wednesday and will likely maintain hurricane status as it moves into the Gulf. A nearby system in the southwestern Atlantic has a 30 percent chance of developing into Tropical Storm Sara within the next week. However, Hurricane Rafael's proximity may disrupt this development, reducing the likelihood of formation. The National Hurricane Center noted that the system could bring rain to the northern Caribbean and southern Bahamas. Rafael may also pose indirect threats to the Florida Keys, including coastal flooding and possible tornadoes.