Hurricane Rafael swirled past the Cayman Islands and was expected to rapidly intensify until making landfall on Wednesday in western Cuba, where it's forecast to hit as a Category 2 hurricane. Read more: How rare are November hurricanes in the Gulf? Rafael will be one of few in history.

Hurricane Rafael is now a Category 1 hurricane with 90 mph at the center, with higher gusts. Rapid strengthening is forecast, and Rafael is forecast to become a Category 2 hurricane or stronger before it makes landfall in Cuba later today.