Hurricane Rafael strengthens to Category 2 as it nears Cuba
Hurricane Rafael has strengthened to a Category 2 storm as it approaches Cuba, with maximum sustained winds of 100 mph. It is expected to make landfall today in western Cuba, where the country is already dealing with recovery from a recent hurricane. The storm is currently located about 90 miles from the Isle of Youth and 160 miles from Havana. Forecasters warn of potential floods, storm surges, and mudslides as Rafael moves northwest at 14 mph. In Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, Rafael caused power outages and flooding. The U.S. State Department has advised American citizens to reconsider travel to Cuba due to the storm's impact.