Hurricane Rafael tracker: Category 3 storm makes landfall in Cuba

Hurricane Rafael made landfall Wednesday as a powerful Category 3 storm on the western coast of Cuba, knocking out power on the island with heavy rainswind — and the possibility of a life-threatening storm surge, forecasters said.

Where is Hurricane Rafael and what is its path?

According to the latest update from the National Hurricane Center, Rafael made landfall in the Cuban province of Artemisa just east of Playa Majana with maximum sustained winds of 115 mph.

As of 4:15 p.m. ET, the storm was located about 40 miles southwest of Havana, Cuba, and was expected to move into the southeastern Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday night.

“A general northwestward motion is anticipated over the next day or so, followed by a gradual west-northwestward turn in the Gulf of Mexico,” the NHC said in its update. “Some additional strengthening is likely before Rafael makes landfall.”

Watches and warnings

As of 4 p.m. ET Wednesday, a hurricane warning is in effect for:

Cuban provinces of Pinar del Rio, Artemisa, La Habana, Mayabeque, Matanzas and the Isle of Youth

A “hurricane warning” means hurricane conditions are expected within the area. Precautions and preparation for people and property should be completed.

A tropical storm warning is in effect for:

Cuban provinces of Villa Clara, and Cienfuegos

Lower and Middle Florida Keys from Key West to west of the Channel Five Bridge

Dry Tortugas

A "tropical storm warning" means tropical storm conditions are expected in the areas within the next 36 hours.

What is the expected impact of Rafael?

Rafael is likely to bring heavy and flash flooding to some areas of the western Caribbean.

“Rainfall totals of 4 to 8 inches are expected across portions of western Cuba, with isolated higher totals up to 12 inches anticipated across areas of higher terrain,” the NHC said.

The storm surge associated with Rafael could raise water levels as much as 9 to 14 feet above normal tide levels along the southern coast of Cuba.

And a couple of tornadoes are possible over the Florida Keys and the far southwestern Florida mainland, the hurricane center said.