Tropical Cyclone Warning: Hurricane Rafael about to make landfall

The Forecast Center of the Meteorology Institute of Cuba (INSMET) has issued Tropical Cyclone Warning No. 13 to report on the trajectory and impact of Hurricane Rafael, currently located over Cabañas Bay, in the province of Artemisa.

This powerful cyclone, which entered Cuban territory this afternoon through Playa Majana around 4:20 pm, is preparing to move out to sea in the coming hours.

With maximum sustained winds of 170 km/h, the hurricane has downgraded to category two on the Saffir-Simpson scale and has a minimum central pressure of 962 hPa. At six in the afternoon, the center of Rafael was located at 23.0 degrees north latitude and 83.0 degrees west longitude, moving northwest at a speed of 22 km/h.

Impact in Cuba: Rain and Strong Winds

During the last few hours, Hurricane Rafael has generated numerous rains, showers, and thunderstorms in the central and western regions of Cuba. The accumulated precipitation in the next 24 hours is estimated between 100 and 200 millimeters, with the possibility of being higher in some areas, which represents a risk of flooding.

The weather station in Mariel, Artemisa, recorded intense rainfall of 121.8 mm between 9 am and 5 pm, of which 78.6 mm occurred between 4 and 5 pm. Additionally, maximum sustained winds of 130 km/h with gusts up to 186 km/h were reported. At the Casablanca station, Havana, sustained winds of 90 km/h and gusts of 120 km/h were reported, reflecting the hurricane's strength in the western area.

Conditions for the Next Hours

Winds will continue blowing from the southeast to the south in the western and central parts of the country, with speeds of 70 to 85 km/h and higher gusts. In the provinces of Mayabeque, Artemisa, and Pinar del Río, hurricane-force winds, from 135 to 150 km/h with higher gusts, could persist during the early hours of the night.

Strong swells are also expected on the south-central and western coasts, with waves of 5 to 7 meters and flooding on the southern coast of Sancti Spíritus, Cienfuegos, and Matanzas. In Mayabeque, Artemisa, Pinar del Río, the Isle of Youth, and the Canarreos archipelago, the flooding will be more severe. After the hurricane moves out to sea, strong swells are expected on the northern coast of the western region, especially in Artemisa and Pinar del Río, with a risk of moderate to severe coastal flooding.

Safety Recommendations

The Cuban Institute of Meteorology urges the population to stay informed and follow the instructions of local authorities, given the critical conditions that Hurricane Rafael presents for the western and central parts of the country.

The next tropical cyclone advisory will be issued at 9:00 pm today, Wednesday.