Tropical Storm Rafael is expected to strengthen into a hurricane and move into the Gulf of Mexico, but most of its worst weather should stay west of the Tampa Bay area, forecasters said. [ National Hurricane Center ] The National Hurricane Center expected ...

The National Hurricane Center said Hurricane Rafael formed Tuesday evening on its way toward Cuba and the Gulf of Mexico while tropical storm warnings were issued for the Florida Keys.

Tropical Storm Rafael strengthened into a hurricane in the Caribbean Tuesday afternoon. It is a category 1 storm with winds of 90 mph. Sign up for our Newsletters Rafael is expected to move into the Gulf of Mexico by Wednesday night or early Thursday morning.