Hurricane Rafael weakened slightly after making landfall Wednesday as a powerful Category 3 storm on the western coast of Cuba, knocking out power on the island with heavy rains and wind before moving into the Gulf of Mexico.
Where is Hurricane Rafael and what is its path?
According to the latest update from the National Hurricane Center, Rafael — now a Category 2 with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph — is located about 180 miles west-northwest of Havana, Cuba, and is moving northwest at 9 mph.
“A turn toward the west at a slower forward speed is expected later today, with this general motion continuing through Saturday,” the hurricane center said. “Rafael is forecast to meander over the south-central Gulf of Mexico this weekend and early next week.”
Rafael made landfall in the Cuban province of Artemisa just east of Playa Majana on Wednesday with maximum sustained winds of 115 mph.
What is the expected impact of Rafael?
The storm is still expected to bring periods of heavy rain to western Cuba on Thursday with flash flooding and mudslides possible, NHC forecasters said.
There are currently no coastal watches or warnings associated with Rafael, but the hurricane center said that “interests in the southern and southwestern Gulf of Mexico” should monitor its progress.
