As the center of Rafael moved on to the Gulf, parts of western Cuba were experiencing "life-threatening storm surge" and flash flooding, the hurricane center said Wednesday evening. All the while, the island's entire population of 10 million was once again left in the dark,

Hurricane Rafael is turning to the west over the southern Gulf of Mexico as the storm continues to impact Cuba on Thursday, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Forecasters predicted earlier this week that Rafael might douse the region with rain. Here’s why the forecast shifted.