The storm was heading northwest at 15 mph and was “expected to move near or over the Cayman Islands tonight, be near or over western Cuba on Wednesday, and move into the southeastern Gulf of Mexico by Wednesday night,” the hurricane center said.

An active 2024 Atlantic Hurricane season continues as Rafael strengthens into a category 1 storm. It's expected to batter Cayman Islands and Cuba before swinging into the Gulf of Mexico.

Hurricane Rafael will eventually make it into the Gulf of Mexico, but the atmosphere will be hostile for a tropical system.