Hurricane Rafael is expected to make landfall in Cuba around 4 p.m. on Wednesday as a Category 3 hurricane or higher, according to the National Hurricane Center.  

While Rafael is forecasted to turn toward the Gulf of Mexico in the coming days, the NHC reported a “larger-than-normal” uncertainty regarding Rafael’s intensification. Experts say it is too soon to determine the hurricane’s impact on Gulf states, including Louisiana.  

According to the NHC, the storm has sustained maximum winds of 115 mph and is moving northwest at 14 mph. Life-threatening storm surges, damaging hurricane-force winds and destructive waves are expected to impact western Cuba and the Isle of Youth.  

The Tulane Office of Emergency Preparedness and Response said in an email to students that it is closely monitoring the hurricane alongside its partners at Perry Weather and NHC and expects very little impact on the Greater New Orleans area.