Now, AccuWeather foresees the storm turning west before eventually taking a southwestern track into the southwestern Gulf of Mexico. By the time the storm reaches the Bay of Campeche, AccuWeather believes the storm will devolve.

Hurricane Rafael has strengthened into a Category 3 storm as it approaches the western coast of Cuba, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Tropical Storm Rafael has strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane as it swirled past Jamaica and chugged toward western Cuba.