Rafael will make a landfall in Cuba as a major Category 3 hurricane, but it will weaken considerably as it moves into the Gulf of Mexico.

The National Hurricane Center is issuing advisories for Hurricane Rafael moving over Cuba on Wednesday. It will move into the Gulf of Mexico before weakening later this week. Rafael brings damaging hurricane-force winds and life-threatening storm surge to Cuba and the Isle of Youth where hurricane warnings are currently in effect.

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.