Hurricane Rafael is now a tropical storm with winds at 40 mph.Louisiana is no longer in the forecast cone; however, the state could see rain depending on how close the storm gets. Sign up for our NewslettersRafael is now in the Gulf of Mexico where it will rapidly lose strength in unfavorable conditions.

Hurricane Rafael strengthened into a category 3 storm over Cuba. Now, it is moving across the Gulf of Mexico. Will it impact Louisiana?

Forecasters say Louisiana residents should monitor the storm but there's no need to change weekend plans as of now.