Hurricane Rafael weakens in Gulf of Mexico with indirect impacts expected in U.S
Hurricane Rafael is currently a Category 2 storm in the Gulf of Mexico, having weakened from a Category 3 after making landfall in Cuba. The storm is expected to move west and weaken to a tropical storm by Saturday. Forecasts have shifted, indicating Rafael is unlikely to make direct landfall in the U.S. Tropical storm conditions were anticipated in the Florida Keys, but warnings were lifted on Thursday morning, though some squalls may continue. Coastal areas in Alabama and the Florida panhandle are under warnings for dangerous rip currents and ocean conditions. There is also a slight risk of tropical storm-force winds in parts of coastal Louisiana and Texas.