Hurricane Rafael strengthens into major Category 3 storm, Florida Keys under tropical storm warning

TAMPA, Fla. – Hurricane Rafael grew into a major Category 3 storm as it impacted Cuba before moving into the Gulf of Mexico.

As of 1pm Wednesday, Rafael was located at 22.0N and 82.3W with maximum sustained winds of 185 mph and was moving northwest at 14 mph.

Rafael will bring heavy rain, flooding and mudslides to western Cuba on Wednesday and Thursday, according to the National Hurricane Center.

The National Hurricane Center says Hurricane Rafael will reach Cuba on Wednesday before moving toward the Gulf of Mexico.

The storm will bring heavy rain to parts of the Western Caribbean, including Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, by early Thursday, the NHC said.

Where will Rafael go when he reaches the Gulf?

The models have shifted westward, indicating that Rafael will move away from the West. Florida’s Gulf coast in the coming days.

However, a tropical storm warning is in effect for the Florida Keys, where some storm impacts are expected Wednesday and early Thursday.

Models are split on whether Rafael will head north toward the U.S. Gulf Coast or south toward Mexico.

As the storm moves through the Gulf, it is expected to weaken due to cooler water temperatures and increased wind shear.

FOX 13 Meteorologist Jim Weber says it’s not yet clear whether Rafael will make landfall in the United States or head south toward Mexico.

“We may see some major adjustments to the forecast tracking as the day progresses,” Weber said.

Weber said the Tampa Bay area will see cloudy skies and intermittent showers on Wednesday and Thursday, and most of the storm effects in Florida will remain in the south.

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