MIAMI - The lower and middle Florida Keys are under a tropical storm warning as Hurricane Rafael is forecast to grow steadily on a path for Cuba, where it's expected to arrive on Wednesday. A tropical storm warning is also issued for portions of Cuba. A hurricane warning is in effect for parts of Cuba.

Hurricane Rafael has strengthened into a major Category 3 storm as it impacts Cuba before moving into the Gulf of Mexico.

The National Hurricane Center forecasts Tropical Storm Rafael to grow into the season’s 11th hurricane Tuesday as it moves toward Cuba with winds and storm surge expected to affect the Florida Keys this week.