Hurricane Rafael, a rare and dangerous late-season storm, is rapidly intensifying and now poses a serious threat to parts of the Caribbean and southeastern United States. Recently upgraded to a strong Category 2 hurricane with sustained winds reaching 110 mph, Rafael is gaining momentum as it moves across the western Caribbean. Experts are sounding alarms not only due to its growing power but also its unusual timing—November is typically the tail end of hurricane season, making Rafael’s strength and trajectory especially alarming.

The storm is currently on a direct path toward western Cuba, where landfall is expected within hours. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued warnings for destructive winds, flash flooding, and up to three inches of heavy rain in the region. After Cuba, Rafael is projected to enter the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico—conditions that could fuel further intensification. Forecasters warn the storm could reach Category 3 strength, potentially bringing even more destructive force as it heads toward the U.S. Gulf Coast.