Tracking seems to indicate a strong NE direction, with perhaps some speed increase. The 17:00 update should be interesting as the 1200Z tracks have all posted. Seems that the UKMET called it correctly and didn't waiver. Still researching why it was so accurate. I give points to the Euro, but it pulled North several times.
Cuba's mountains did pull some speed off the storm, but alas it cut across the narrows of the island too quickly. Reports are saying 1 million Cubans are without power. Puerto Rico suffered less as it was a Cat1 storm at the time. Still they are having power issues. Even though 3 billion dollars were allocated after hurricane Maria, PR's status as an unincorporated territory make it difficult for the US to fund critical projects without corruption. (for more info - see Luma Energy scandal)