How will Rafael impact the US?

Hurricane Rafael will approach Cuba as a major hurricane. The outer bands of Rafael will bring some impacts to the Florida Keys as well.

Hurricane Rafael will have some impacts on the U.S. today and tomorrow. Our Weather Reporter Jonathan Petramala has a live look at the conditions in the Florida Keys in the video above. Rafael is currently a category 3 hurricane, with sustained winds of 115 mph, and is expected to make landfall in Cuba later today.

Tropical storm conditions are expected in the Lower and Middle Florida Keys beginning today and tonight. The Keys and parts of Southwest Florida, including Fort Myers, Naples and Marco Island, could also see a tornado or two as the outer bands of Rafael impact the region.

Rafael will enter the Gulf tomorrow as a hurricane, but the impacts on the U.S. Gulf coast remain unclear. Dry air, wind shear and cooler waters are forecast to weaken Rafael substantially in the Gulf this weekend into early next week.

While Rafael is expected to weaken, tropical moisture will still bring some impacts to the southern U.S. Keep an eye on the WeatherRadar and check in regularly for updates.