Alabama Continues to Monitor Strengthening Hurricane Rafael

Hurricane Rafael is packing sustained winds of 90 mph and is approximately 120 miles southeast of the Isle of Youth.

Rafael is tracking northwest at 14 mph. Later today, it should impact the western part of Cuba and then enter the southern Gulf of Mexico.

The National Weather Service of Birmingham said, "Hurricane Rafael continues to gain strength and could be near major hurricane status as it crosses western Cuba. The hurricane will be in the Gulf of Mexico this weekend but should be on a weakening trend as it encounters unfavorable conditions.”

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James Spann, ABC 33/40, and Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa Chief Meteorologist said, “Rafael will encounter strong winds aloft, dry air, and cooler sea surface temperatures by the weekend, which should induce rapid weakening, and there is a good chance it will be sheared apart before impacting any part of the U.S. coast.”

The Townsquare Media Weather Center will continue to monitor Rafael and bring you necessary updates.