Cayman Islands ? Late-season Hurricane Paloma strengthened into a Category 3 storm as it lashed the Cayman Islands with wind and rain Friday, knocking down trees and signs.

The storm was expected to lose some strength overnight before punching Cuba’s midsection today, according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami. Cuba already is suffering from billions of dollars in damage from two previous hurricanes this season.

“It’s not like it’s new to them, unfortunately,” said Dave Roberts, a U.S. Navy hurricane specialist. “If I were living on the island, I would at least prepare for a Category 2.”

Cuban official newspaper Granma, recalling past late-season hurricanes such as a 1932 storm that killed about 3,000 people, said Paloma poses “a potential danger for the island.”