SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Tropical Storm Rafael strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane on Tuesday as it swirled past the Cayman Islands and chugged toward western Cuba. It was another stroke of bad news for Cuba, which has been struggling with blackouts while recovering from another hurricane two weeks ago that killed at […]

Hurricane Rafael strengthens to Category 2, threatening Cuba with floods, mudslides, and power outages, prompting evacuations and warnings.

HAVANA: Hurricane Rafael was gaining strength as it churned north towards western Cuba early on Wednesday (Nov 6), the National Hurricane Center said, warning it could approach major hurricane status before sl

Cuba is bracing for Hurricane Rafael, which is expected to make landfall Wednesday and compound the misery wrought by a recent power blackout and Hurricane Oscar.

A hurricane warning is in effect for the Cayman Islands and the Cuban provinces of Pinar del Rio, Artemisa, La Habana, Mayabeque, Matanzas and the Isle of Youth.

Hurricane Rafael has hit Category 2 strength and will likely intensify further as it churns north towards western Cuba, the National Hurricane Center said, packing sustained winds of 175kph as it neared the Caribbean island's southern shore by mid-morning.