Hurricane Rafael Reinforces as Late-Season Storm Eyes Gulf of Mexico

Rafael has intensified to become a hurricane and is expected to make landfall in the Gulf of Mexico, where millions of people from Texas to Florida will be watching the late-season storm.

It grew into a hurricane as it moved across the western Caribbean. It delivered tropical storm conditions to Jamaica ahead of expected hurricanes in the Cayman Islands and western Cuba.

Hurricane Rafael reinforces as late-season storm eyes the Gulf of Mexico

Heavy rain is expected in the western Caribbean, including Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, and western and southern Cuba. 

Rainfall is forecast to be between 3-6 inches, with greater quantities of up to 10 inches likely in Jamaica and Cuba's higher terrain.