Hurricane Rafael barreled toward Cuba on Wednesday, forecast to make landfall in western Cuba as a major Category 3 hurricane that forecasters warn could bring “life-threatening” storm surges,

Tropical Storm Rafael is expected to become a hurricane by the end of Wednesday. Rafael is expected to strengthen into a hurricane as it heads toward Cuba. “Rafael is expected to become a hurricane as it passes near the Cayman Islands with further strengthening before it makes landfall in Cuba,” according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami.

Hurricane Rafael hit Category 2 strength and will likely intensify further as it churns north towards western Cuba on Wednesday, the National Hurricane Center said, packing sustained winds of 110 mph (175 kph) as it neared the Caribbean island's southern shore by mid-morning.