Hurricane Rafael made landfall in western Cuba Wednesday afternoon after it became a Category 3 hurricane earlier in the day. Rafael made landfall around 4:15 p.m. in the Cuban province of Artemisa, just east of Playa Majana, the National Hurricane Center said.

The National Hurricane Center is tracking weakening Tropical Storm Rafael in the Gulf of Mexico. A disturbance near the Bahamas could bring heavy rain

Hurricane Rafael has made landfall in Cuba as a Category 3 storm. It is expected to continue into the Gulf of Mexico, weakening but potentially threatening the southeastern United States. Only when tropical cyclones in the Atlantic Ocean encounter the right ingredients for long enough do they strengthen to the point of designation.

Tropical Storm Rafael is expected to strengthen into a hurricane before making landfall in Cuba Wednesday, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Forecasters are continuing to monitor the storm as it dissipates. The NHC said swells generated by Rafael will continue impacting portions of the northern and western Gulf Coast.