Hurricane Rafael Slams Cuba: Category 3 Storm Brings Blackouts and Flooding
Catastrophic Impact on Power and Infrastructure
Hurricane Rafael made landfall in Cuba on Wednesday as a powerful Category 3 storm, delivering devastating winds that swiftly disabled the country’s power grid. Authorities warned of “life-threatening” storm surges, winds, and flash floods, expected to affect Cuba’s western regions as the storm moved northward.
By Wednesday afternoon, Rafael was centered approximately 45 miles south-southwest of Havana, with maximum sustained winds of 115 mph while moving northwest at 14 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center.
A Grim Setback for an Already Struggling Island
The timing couldn’t be worse for Cuba, which is grappling with ongoing blackouts while still recovering from a recent hurricane that claimed six lives in the island’s eastern region. Government officials issued a national alert as residents braced for potentially severe flooding. In Havana, crews worked urgently to fortify buildings and clear debris from coastal areas.
In response to the escalating threat, the Cuban government suspended public transportation and classes in affected parts of the island. Authorities evacuated thousands from western areas and canceled flights in Havana and Varadero as a precaution. “Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion,” the National Hurricane Center urged.
Wide-Reaching Effects Across the Caribbean
The hurricane’s strength was evident even before reaching Cuba. Rafael swept through the Cayman Islands and Jamaica, causing widespread flooding and power outages. Landslides blocked roads in Jamaica, where the island’s electricity provider faced significant challenges restoring power. In the Cayman Islands, residents encountered closed schools and blocked roads as flood risks continued.
U.S. Issues Travel Advisory Amid Rising Concerns
The U.S. State Department issued a travel advisory on Tuesday, urging American citizens in Cuba to reconsider travel plans and offering departure assistance for non-essential staff. Officials stressed the need for urgent preparations, particularly for residents in the areas expected to bear the brunt of the storm.
Storm’s Potential Path and Impacts on the U.S. Coast
Forecasters predict that Rafael will weaken over Cuba but may regain strength over the southeastern Gulf of Mexico, posing a potential threat to areas along the U.S. Gulf Coast. The Florida Keys could face storm surges of 1 to 3 feet, as well as possible tornadoes and heavy rainfall as the storm progresses northward.
A Season of Intensity: 2024’s Active Hurricane Forecast
Rafael is the 17th named storm in what experts anticipate will be an exceptionally active Atlantic hurricane season. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has forecasted between 17 and 25 named storms this season, with expectations of up to 13 hurricanes, four of which could be major hurricanes.
Conclusion: Cuba Prepares for the Long Night Ahead
With Hurricane Rafael battering the island and forecasts suggesting more extreme weather ahead, Cuba faces a night of uncertainty. Residents are hunkered down, hoping that their preparations will withstand this latest onslaught in an already challenging year.