Hurricane Rafael Approaches Cuba as Category 3 Storm

Forecasters warn of life-threatening conditions as Rafael nears landfall, threatening Cuba's vulnerable infrastructure.

Hurricane Rafael is expected to hit western Cuba as a major Category 3 storm, bringing dangerous storm surges, strong winds, and flash floods.
Thousands of residents in western Cuba have been evacuated, and public services have been suspended in anticipation of the storm's impact.
The U.S. State Department has issued a travel advisory for Cuba, offering departure flights to non-essential staff and American citizens.
Cuba's electrical grid, already unstable from a recent blackout, faces further risk of collapse due to Rafael's expected impact.
After crossing Cuba, Rafael is forecasted to enter the Gulf of Mexico, where it is predicted to weaken but still pose a threat to the region.