Hurricane Rafael, an unusually strong November storm, has intensified into a Category 2 hurricane with winds up to 110 mph.

“This rare late-season hurricane” is now heading for western Cuba and may bring dangerous winds, heavy rain, and flooding.
Forecasts show Rafael could impact areas from Texas to the Florida Panhandle. “People in the Florida Keys and Gulf Coast regions should be prepared for significant weather disruptions,” warned the National Hurricane Center (NHC). Hurricane warnings are active in parts of the Florida Keys, where up to three inches of rain and possible tornadoes are expected.

Meteorologists are concerned Rafael will strengthen over the warm Gulf of Mexico, possibly becoming a Category 3 hurricane. Storm surge and flash flooding are the biggest threats to coastal Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, and Florida.Communities are preparing: sandbags are being handed out, shelters readied, and crews are on standby. Residents in warning zones are urged to secure property and plan for evacuation.As Rafael nears, experts stress not to take the storm lightly. “Even if Rafael doesn’t make direct landfall…impacts will be felt far from its center.” Stay alert and follow updates from the NHC.