Rafael is the 17th named storm of the season.
The deadly storm surge feared for Tampa appears not to have materialized, though the situation in the area was still a major emergency.
Hurricane Milton has made landfall in Florida as a Category 3 storm near Siesta Key in Sarasota County.
The National Hurricane Center says tropical storm-force winds from Hurricane Milton are just off the western coast of Florida.
Storm surge and hurricane watches were issued for Florida's Gulf Coast, and a hurricane warning was issued for parts of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula.
More than 4 million homes and businesses were without power Friday morning in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina.
Authorities warn that storm surges of up to 20 feet could also wreak catastrophic damage.
Helene became a tropical storm Tuesday in the western Caribbean Sea and caused flooding in the Cayman Islands.
Monday's unexpected surge in strength caught scientists, authorities and residents of the area by surprise.
Hurricane Debby reached the Big Bend coast of Florida early Monday, bringing with it the potential for record-setting rains, catastrophic floo…