Hurricane Rafael Poised to Slam Western Cuba

Hurricane Rafael is rapidly intensifying as it approaches western Cuba, threatening to reach major hurricane status. The storm has already caused power outages and flooding in the Cayman Islands, prompting Cuban authorities to evacuate residents, close airports, and suspend public transportation in preparation for its arrival.

Hurricane Rafael is strengthening as it heads towards western Cuba, with the National Hurricane Center warning it may reach major hurricane intensity before striking the island on Wednesday.

As of early Wednesday, Rafael was about 195 miles southeast of Havana, with winds up to 90 mph, after already causing power outages and flooding in the Cayman Islands. Cuba is evacuating low-lying areas and has closed airports across the western region.

The storm comes as Cuba grapples with a national electric grid collapse and ongoing shortages of essential resources, further challenging its ability to withstand Rafael's impact. Forecasters are uncertain about the storm's trajectory, though it could head towards the Gulf of Mexico later this week.

(With inputs from agencies.)