Hurricane Rafael has intensified into a powerful Category 3 storm just before making landfall in Cuba, with maximum sustained winds of 185km/h (115mph). The storm is expected to bring life-threatening storm surge, damaging winds, and flash flooding to western Cuba, aggravating the country’s energy crisis caused by infrastructure issues and fuel shortages. The eye of the hurricane is projected to pass west of Havana, affecting agriculture and valuable tobacco crops used for cigar production. It is forecasted to weaken over Cuba and reemerge in the southeastern Gulf of Mexico as a hurricane.
The storm is expected to continue its path towards the US-Mexico border as it weakens, with warnings issued for a portion of the Cayman Islands and several Cuban provinces. Jamaica experienced power outages, flooding, and landslides as Rafael passed by the western coast. The storm is the 17th named storm of the season, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted a well-above-average season with up to 25 named storms, 13 hurricanes, and four major hurricanes. Rafael is the 11th hurricane of the year, with five reaching Category 3 status or higher.
A hurricane warning was issued for Cuba as Rafael approached, prompting preparations from the Cuban Civil Defence and advisories from the US Department of State for American citizens in the area. The storm is expected to impact farming communities and tobacco crops in addition to the existing energy crisis in the country. As Rafael passes through the region, Cuba faces the risk of floods, storm surges, and mudslides. The storm is expected to maintain hurricane status as it moves towards the Gulf coast, potentially affecting areas around the US-Mexico border at the weekend.
Despite warnings and preparations, the impact of Rafael on Cuba, the Cayman Islands, and Jamaica has been significant, causing damage, power outages, and disruptions to daily life. The storm’s strength and path have raised concerns for residents, authorities, and forecasters, highlighting the unpredictable nature of hurricanes and the challenges they present to vulnerable regions. As Rafael moves towards the US-Mexico border, the potential for further disruptions and damage remains, underscoring the importance of preparedness, response, and recovery efforts in the face of natural disasters like hurricanes.
