Sign up for our Newsletters TROPICAL ADVISORY. The center of the storm has become more exposed due to strong winds, and convective storms are displaced to the northeast of Rafael

The biggest impacts from Rafael's storm bands may affect offshore oil and gas production. Several companies evacuated workers from rigs as Rafael remains near oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico. Once Rafael takes a more southerly path, Northern Mexico may also begin experiencing higher wave heights and high surf along the beaches.

Hurricane Rafael is swirling over the Gulf of Mexico, where it’s expected to break apart after plowing through Cuba, knocking out its power grid and collapsing homes.

Rafael is currently a Category 2 hurricane with some fluctuations in intensity possible on Friday, the National Hurricane Center said. A steady weakening trend is forecast by the evening and should continue through the weekend.