From there, experts predict Rafael will emerge

into the southeastern Gulf of Mexico tonight as a hurricane.

Tropical storm conditions are anticipated in Florida Keys,

with the National Hurricane Center (NHC) issuing a warning to residents.

Americans have been advised to secure

loose outdoor objects due to strong winds and flooding.

AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Bill Deger said that small changes in

Rafael’s strength and the winds around it can make a big difference in where it goes next.

The storm gets a bit stronger or if the winds that push it change direction, its path could shift

Storm Rafael was upgraded to a Category 2 hurricane

today and could make landfall anywhere from

the Texas coast to the Florida Panhandle.