Hurricane Rafael is currently moving towards Cuba, with the expectation of rapidly intensifying before reaching western Cuba as a Category 2 hurricane. The storm, which passed the Cayman Islands, is causing concern for the island nation, as Cuba is still recovering from a previous hurricane that resulted in fatalities in the eastern part of the country.
As of the latest update, Hurricane Rafael was located southeast of the Isle of Youth, with maximum sustained winds of 90 mph. The National Hurricane Center in Miami has issued warnings for floods, storm surges, and mudslides as the storm approaches Cuba. The U.S. State Department has also issued an advisory for Cuba, offering departure flights to non-essential staff and American citizens, and advising against travel to the region.
In preparation for the storm, the Cuban Civil Defense has urged residents to take necessary precautions and stay in safe locations once Rafael makes landfall. An evacuation order has been issued for thousands of people in far eastern Cuba, and warnings are in effect for several provinces in Cuba and the Cayman Islands.
The impact of Rafael has already been felt in Jamaica, where power outages and flooding have been reported. In the Cayman Islands, power outages have also been widespread, with schools remaining closed. Forecasters are predicting heavy rainfall and potential flooding in the western Caribbean, as well as storm surges in Florida and the southeastern U.S.
The 2024 hurricane season is expected to be well above average, with predictions of up to 25 named storms, 13 hurricanes, and four major hurricanes. This reinforces the importance of being prepared and staying informed during hurricane season.
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