Even without a landfall in Florida, the state is expected to feel some impacts from Rafael, starting as early as today.

Tropical Storm Rafael became a Category 3 major hurricane Wednesday afternoon as it nears the coast of western Cuba, the National Hurricane Center said.In a 1 p.m. ET update, the NHC said Rafael was 85 miles south of Havana,

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.