Hurricane Rafael strengthens in Gulf of Mexico after striking Cuba

Hurricane Rafael continues to intensify

Hurricane Rafael is intensifying as it treks across the Gulf of Mexico. We continue to monitor the Caribbean Sea which is favorable for future tropical development.

ORLANDO, Fla. - Powerful Hurricane Rafael slammed into Cuba as a major hurricane on Wednesday, and the late-season tropical system has now emerged in the Gulf of Mexico, but the question turns to where it is going next.

Rafael remained a Category 2 hurricane late Thursday evening. It’s the first Category 2 storm to enter the Gulf of Mexico in November since Hurricane Ida in 2009.

Cuba and parts of the western Caribbean no doubt took the brunt of the storm, which brought damaging, hurricane-force winds, flooding rain and a life-threatening storm surge.

The storm will move into the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico, where it will encounter hostile upper level winds and cooler ocean temperatures.

This will cause Rafael to weaken down to a tropical storm near the western Gulf. Landfall looks to take place near the Bay of Campeche on the coastline of Mexico.

Is Hurricane Rafael headed toward Florida?

Hurricane Rafael is not expected to make a direct hit or landfall in Florida. In fact, it's expected to stay more than 350 miles west of Florida's gulf coast.

However, Central Florida will feel some of the impacts as the hurricane's outerbands impact the state, including torrential downpours and gusty winds. There is a chance for a brief tornado, the FOX 35 Storm Team said.

Elsewhere in the tropics

A tropical wave is being tracked near the Bahamas, but experts say the chances for development are low.

Another area of concern is emerging in the Caribbean, with the potential for tropical development by mid- to late next week.

The next storm names this season are Sara, Tony, Valerie, and William. It’s possible a few of these systems could form before the season officially ends.