Hurricane Rafael weakens as it moves west across the Gulf of Mexico after impacting Cuba

Hurricane Rafael, now a Category 2 storm, is moving west across the Gulf of Mexico. It is expected to weaken due to unfavorable conditions, possibly becoming a tropical storm by Sunday. All watches and warnings have been lifted, including for the Dry Tortugas. However, dangerous surf and rip currents are still possible throughout the Gulf. Rafael made landfall in Cuba as a Category 3 hurricane, disrupting the electrical grid. The National Hurricane Center has also reduced the likelihood of a new tropical disturbance forming near Puerto Rico and Haiti.