Gulf of Mexico

Hurricane Rafael, now a Category 2 storm with sustained winds of 100 miles per hour, is moving into the southeastern Gulf of Mexico after inflicting catastrophic damage on Cuba. The powerful storm, which has left Cuba’s entire population of 10 million without electricity for the second time this month, continues to stir concerns across the region as it veers westward. While Rafael is expected to weaken gradually over the next few days, its presence still poses a threat to parts of Florida's Gulf Coast, particularly the Florida Keys, where coastal flooding is anticipated.