HAVANA (AP) — Hurricane Rafael, currently a Category 2 storm, is forecasted to make landfall in western Cuba on Wednesday as it intensifies to a major Category 3 hurricane. Forecasters have warned of potentially “life-threatening” storm surges, strong winds, and flash floods.
In preparation for Rafael’s arrival, thousands of residents in western Cuba have been evacuated as a precautionary measure. The storm disposed heavy rain on Jamaica and the Cayman Islands on Tuesday, leading to power outages and flooding in those areas.
As the storm approaches, classes and public transportation have been suspended in several regions of Cuba. Authorities issued alerts for western provinces, while workers in Havana secured buildings and cleared debris along the coastline to mitigate flood risks.
The National Hurricane Center in Miami emphasized the urgency of preparations, stating, “Actions to protect life and property should be expedited.”
On Wednesday, Rafael was reported to be about 60 miles (95 kilometers) east-southeast of the Isle of Youth and around 130 miles (205 kilometers) south-southeast of Havana, with maximum sustained winds reaching 110 mph (175 kph) and moving northwest at 14 mph (22 kph).
Forecasters anticipate that the storm may weaken after striking Cuba but could emerge in the southeastern Gulf of Mexico as a hurricane. The heavy rainfall expected from Rafael could lead to significant flooding and mudslides, particularly across the western Caribbean, affecting parts of Cuba and the Cayman Islands.
Meanwhile, in the Cayman Islands, power outages were widespread following the storm’s impact, and schools remained closed as of Wednesday. Crews were dispatched early to Little Cayman and Cayman Brac to assess the damage from the storm’s direct hit. The government advised residents on Grand Cayman to remain cautious around roads and coastlines as residual flooding and rough seas may linger.
The U.S. State Department has also issued a travel advisory for Cuba, encouraging American citizens and non-essential staff to reconsider travel plans due to the impending impact of Tropical Storm Rafael.
Just two weeks ago, Cubans experienced difficulties with blackouts while recovering from a previous hurricane that claimed at least six lives in the eastern part of the island. The need for preparedness during this ongoing hurricane season has been emphasized.
A hurricane warning remains in effect for parts of the Cayman Islands and several Cuban provinces, including Pinar del Rio, Artemisa, La Habana, Mayabeque, Matanzas, and the Isle of Youth. Additionally, a tropical storm warning is in place for Villa Clara, Cienfuegos, Sancti Spiritus, and Ciego de Avila, as well as the lower and middle Florida Keys and Dry Tortugas.
Forecasters project that heavy rain will also reach into Florida and the southeastern United States later this week, with potential storm surges of 1 to 3 feet expected in Dry Tortugas and 1 to 2 feet in the Lower Florida Keys. There is also a possibility of isolated tornadoes in the Keys and southwestern Florida on Wednesday.
Rafael marks the 17th named storm of the hurricane season, which NOAA predicts could see between 17 and 25 named storms in 2024, with up to 13 hurricanes and four major hurricanes expected. The average Atlantic hurricane season typically records 14 named storms, which includes seven hurricanes and three major hurricanes.
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Associated Press reporter Megan Janetsky contributed to this report from Mexico City.
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