Hurricane Rafael could strengthen to Category 3: Latest path

Hurricane Rafael, now a powerful Category 2 hurricane, could strengthen to one major category 3 hurricane later in the day before landing in Cuba on Wednesday night.

A tropical storm warning is in effect for the Florida Keys, where heavy rain, gusty winds and even tornadoes are possible Wednesday and Thursday morning.

This weekend, Rafael will weaken as it stagnates in the Gulf of Mexico.

Rafael does not pose a major threat to the US Gulf Coast, but some of the tropical moisture could move toward the coast and increase rain from an approaching cold front.

Most models predict Rafael will sit in the Gulf into next week and possibly move southwest toward Mexico.

The Atlantic hurricane season runs through November 30.