Hurricane Rafael is continuing to strengthen as it approaches landfall in western Cuba on Wednesday, according to the National Hurricane Center.

As of Wednesday morning, Rafael is a Cat. 1 hurricane in the Northern Caribbean approaching Cuba. Landfall in western Cuba as a Cat. 2 hurricane is expected later today. After it passes Cuba, west-northwestward movement is expected as Rafael slides into the Central Gulf.

Hurricane Rafael was gaining strength as it churned north towards western Cuba early on Wednesday, the National Hurricane Center said, warning it could approach major hurricane status before slamming into the Caribbean island later in the day.