Rafael intensified into a major hurricane before making landfall in Cuba on Wednesday at 4:15 p.m. as a Category 3. The storm continues to bring flash flooding and mudslides to Cuba's mountainous regions.
There are still uncertainties regarding Rafael's exact track and intensity as it meanders through the Gulf this weekend. Current forecasts indicate that the storm is likely to weaken further into a tropical depression as it approaches the southern Gulf Coast.
Watch NBC 5 free wherever you are
The storm's path is gradually shifting southward, but it is expected to remain slow-moving. Rafael may either move closer to southeastern Mexico or potentially stall, posing little to no threat to land. This storm is no longer a threat to the U.S.
Continue to monitor this article for updates.
Get top local stories in DFW delivered to you every morning with NBC DFW's News Headlines newsletter.
