Rafael crossed Cuba as a major hurricane and is now in the Gulf of Mexico

Rafael brought hurricane-force winds and nearly a foot of rain to western Cuba. 

The hurricane will continue a rather abrupt westward turn and continue for the next 4-5 days. However, ensemble members show a potential scenario of a major hurricane tracking west/southwest into Mexico in the 5-7 day timeframe.   

SURF: Swells generated by Rafael are expected to affect much of the
northwestern Caribbean during the next day or so and will also
spread across most of the Gulf of Mexico from east to west late this
week into the weekend. These swells are likely to cause
life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. Please consult
products from your local weather office.

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