Hurricane Rafael is rapidly gaining strength as it approaches western Cuba, with forecasters predicting it could be near major hurricane intensity when it makes landfall later today. Strengthening Storm: Rafael is showing signs of significant intensification,

Rafael strengthened into a hurricane Tuesday night, and that strengthening is continuing. The storm could make landfall in western Cuba as a strong Category 2 storm later today. After that,

Rafael has been upgraded to a hurricane Tuesday night as it approaches the Cayman Islands and nears landfall in Cuba. The Florida Keys are under a tropical storm warning as the hurricane may bring rains and winds to the region.