Hurricane Rafael Brings Devastation to Cuba
Category 3 Hurricane Wreaks Havoc on the Island, Leaving Power Grid in Ruins
Cuba was left reeling Thursday after a fierce Category 3 hurricane ripped across the island, knocking out the country’s power grid. The magnitude of the impact remained unclear through the early hours of the day, but forecasters warned that Hurricane Rafael could bring "life-threatening" storm surges, winds, and flash floods to Cuba after ravaging parts of the Cayman Islands and Jamaica.
Storm’s Current Status
As of 7 a.m. EST, the storm’s center was located 180 miles west-northwest of Havana, Cuba, and 195 miles west of Key West, Florida, with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center’s 7 a.m. ET advisory. The storm was moving west at 9 mph.
Havana Under Attack
On Wednesday evening, massive waves lashed at Havana’s shores as sharp winds and rain whipped at the historic cityscape, leaving trees littered on flooded roads. Much of the city was dark and deserted.
Aftermath and Impacts
As the storm slowed to a Category 2 hurricane, chugging into the Gulf of Mexico near northern Mexico and southern Texas, many Cubans were left picking up the pieces from the night before, with a strange sense of déjà vu after a rocky few weeks in the Caribbean nation.
Economic Crisis and Migration
The storm stoked discontent already simmering in Cuba amid an ongoing economic crisis, which has pushed many to migrate from Cuba. The State Department issued a travel warning for Cuba because of the storm, and the Cuban government asked citizens to hunker down.
Preparations and Evacuations
Classes and public transport were suspended on parts of the island, and authorities canceled flights in and out of Havana and Varadero. Thousands of people in the west of the island were evacuated as a preventative measure, and many more, like 72-year-old retiree Silvia Pérez, scrambled to prepare.
Regional Impacts
The storm also knocked out power in the Cayman Islands and Jamaica, unleashing flooding and landslides.
Seasonal Outlook
Rafael is the 17th named storm of the season, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted the 2024 hurricane season would be well above average, with between 17 and 25 named storms, 13 hurricanes, and four major hurricanes. An average Atlantic hurricane season produces 14 named storms, seven of them hurricanes, and three major hurricanes.
Conclusion
Hurricane Rafael has brought devastation to Cuba, leaving the power grid in ruins and causing widespread disruptions. The storm’s impacts are still being assessed, but its effects will likely be felt for some time.
FAQs
Q: What is the current status of Hurricane Rafael?
A: As of 7 a.m. EST, the storm’s center was located 180 miles west-northwest of Havana, Cuba, and 195 miles west of Key West, Florida, with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph.
Q: What are the impacts of the storm?
A: The storm is expected to bring "life-threatening" storm surges, winds, and flash floods to Cuba, as well as power outages and disruptions to daily life.
Q: What is the current situation in Havana?
A: On Wednesday evening, massive waves lashed at Havana’s shores, leaving trees littered on flooded roads, and much of the city was dark and deserted.
Q: How many named storms is Hurricane Rafael the 17th of in the 2024 season?
A: Yes, Rafael is the 17th named storm of the 2024 season.
