Hurricane RafaelA Category 3 hurricane made landfall in Cuba on Wednesday, causing extensive damage and widespread power outages across the country. The storm had already impacted the Cayman Islands and Jamaica, bringing strong winds, heavy rain and dangerous storm surges to those island nations.
Before Rafale struck Cuba, the government issued a warning and urged citizens to be prepared. Schools and public transportation were closed, and flights in and out of Havana and Varadero were canceled. Thousands of people in the western part of the island were evacuated, the Associated Press reported.
Forecasters warned that Rafael could bring “life-threatening” storm surges, winds and flash floods.
“While conditions have improved in Grand Cayman, residents are advised to exercise extreme caution on roads and coastal areas as the risk of rough seas and residual flooding may remain,” the government said in a statement.
“It’s a night I don’t want to sleep, between the wind and the trees,” said Silvia Perez, a 72-year-old resident of Havana, preparing for the storm. family.”
Experts have warned that Rafael could bring “life-threatening” storm surges, winds and flash floods.
As Rafael moved across Cuba, it weakened slightly to a Category 2 hurricane with sustained winds of 105 mph. The storm is expected to weaken further as it moves toward the southeastern Gulf of Mexico. The US State Department has advised US citizens to reconsider visiting Cuba.
On Tuesday, Rafael caused power outages and flooding in Jamaica. The Cayman Islands also experienced power outages and school closures. The storm is expected to bring heavy rain to Florida and the southeastern United States later this week.
Rafael is the 17th named hurricane of the 2024 hurricane season. The arrival comes two weeks after another hurricane killed at least six people in eastern Cuba. The storm caused widespread blackouts, from which the island is still recovering.