The National Hurricane Center said Hurricane Rafael grew into a major Category 3 storm Wednesday and made landfall in Cuba on its way into the Gulf of Mexico, while the Florida Keys remained under a tropical storm warning.

Hurricane Rafael rapidly intensified into a Category 3 hurricane in the Caribbean and is a few hours away from slamming into Cuba. The powerful hurricane is the fifth major hurricane of the year in the Atlantic and the strongest in the basin this late in the year since 2020.

HOUSTON – Hurricane Rafael has moved ashore in Cuba as a powerful Category 3 storm with winds of 115 mph. As of 4 p.m. Wednesday, it is moving northwest at 13 mph, which will bring it into the Gulf of Mexico. It is expected to move further into the Gulf and the forecast cone may look a little concerning to Southeast Texas.