**Hurricane Rafael Hits Western Cuba as Category 3 Storm**

Hurricane Rafael slammed into western Cuba on Wednesday afternoon, escalating to a Category 3 hurricane earlier the same day. According to the latest update from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) at 4:15 p.m., Rafael made landfall in the Cuban province of Artemisa, just east of Playa Majana. The hurricane is generating maximum sustained winds of around 115 mph and is moving northwest at a speed of 14 mph.

The NHC has issued several warnings in response to Rafael's expected trajectory and impact. A hurricane warning is currently in effect for the Cuban provinces of Pinar del Rio, Artemisa, Mayabeque, Matanzas, and the Isle of Youth. Additionally, a tropical storm warning has been announced for the Cuban provinces of Villa Clara, Cienfuegos, as well as the lower and middle Florida Keys from Key West to west of the Channel 5 Bridge and the Dry Tortugas.

Forecasters have warned that Rafael will bring life-threatening conditions to portions of western Cuba, including destructive hurricane-force winds, a hazardous storm surge, and flash flooding. The NHC predicts that storm surge could elevate water levels by as much as 9 to 14 feet above normal tide levels in areas experiencing onshore winds along the southern coast of Cuba. Heavy rainfall is also anticipated, with western Cuba expected to receive between 4 to 8 inches of rain, and isolated areas facing totals up to 12 inches, potentially leading to flash flooding and mudslides.

In the United States, areas such as the lower and middle Florida Keys are bracing for tropical storm conditions. Residents in these regions should expect between 1 to 3 inches of rain on Wednesday, with several tornadoes possible in the Florida Keys and far southwestern Florida mainland through Wednesday evening.

As Rafael moves into the southeastern Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday night and continues to traverse the Gulf over the weekend, both Cuba and the United States are urged to stay vigilant and heed all warnings and advisories issued by the NHC and local authorities.