TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Hurricane Rafael continues to move westward in the central Gulf of Mexico as a Category 3 hurricane, The National Hurricane Center said.

Located about 245 miles north-northeast of Progreso Mexico, Rafael is expected to continue toward the west near 9 mph.

A westward to northwestward motion at a slower speed is expected over the weekend, according to the NHC.

Hurricane Rafael is expected to move over the central Gulf of Mexico for the next few days.

Maximum sustained winds are near 120 mph making Rafael a category 3 hurricane, according to the NHC.

There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect.