Hurricane Rafael grows into a Category 2 storm as it bears down on Cuba

Hurricane Rafael has intensified into a Category 2 storm as it moves towards western Cuba, causing concern for the island still recovering from a previous hurricane. The storm is expected to bring heavy rain, flooding, and mudslides to the region. Cuba has issued evacuation orders, and the U.S. State Department has advised against travel to the area. The storm has already caused power outages in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. Forecasters predict that Rafael will impact Florida and the southeast U.S. with heavy rainfall and possible storm surges. This hurricane season has been predicted to be well above average in terms of storm activity.