Hurricane Rafael has upgraded to a Category 1 hurricane in the Caribbean and is projected to rapidly intensify to near major hurricane strength as it moves towards the Gulf Coast. The National Hurricane Center warns that the storm could make landfall in Cuba soon, while parts of Florida are bracing for potential impacts. Oil and gas producers in the Gulf of Mexico have begun to cut back output in anticipation of the storm’s arrival. Severe storm watches have been issued for areas including Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. While forecasts are still evolving, many regions are preparing for heavy rainfall and possible strong winds, especially as Rafael could swipe the Florida Keys. Emergency preparations are underway across Gulf Coast states, with particular concern for the already strained recovery efforts in Cuba.