Hurricane Rafael is currently swirling past the Cayman Islands and is projected to rapidly intensify before making landfall on Wednesday in western Cuba as a Category 2 hurricane. This development comes as Cuba is still reeling from the aftermath of a previous hurricane that claimed the lives of at least six individuals in the eastern part of the island.
As of Wednesday morning, Hurricane Rafael was located 65 miles north-northeast of Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands, boasting maximum sustained winds of 85 mph and moving northwest at 13 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami.
Forecasters have issued warnings of potential floods, storm surges, and mudslides as Rafael is expected to hit Cuba after affecting Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. The U.S. State Department has advised non-essential staff and American citizens in Cuba to consider departure options due to the storm's potential impact.
The Cuban Civil Defense has urged residents to make necessary preparations ahead of Rafael's landfall, emphasizing the importance of staying in safe locations during the storm. An evacuation order has been issued for 37,000 individuals in far eastern Cuba, specifically in the province of Guantanamo, due to adverse weather conditions.
Hurricane warnings are in effect for various Cuban provinces, including Pinar del Rio, Artemisa, La Habana, Mayabeque, Matanzas, and the Isle of Youth. Additionally, tropical storm warnings and watches have been issued for other regions, with officials in the Cayman Islands already taking precautionary measures such as closing schools and government offices.
Heavy rainfall and potential flooding are anticipated in the western Caribbean, with impacts expected to extend to Florida and parts of the southeastern U.S. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has predicted an above-average hurricane season for 2024, with the potential for as many as 25 named storms, 13 hurricanes, and four major hurricanes.
As Hurricane Rafael marks the 17th named storm of the season, residents in the affected areas are advised to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety and well-being.
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