Hurricane Rafael intensified into a Category 2 storm on Wednesday, just hours before its predicted landfall in western Cuba. This storm comes as a devastating blow to the island nation, which is still struggling to recover from another hurricane two weeks ago that tragically claimed the lives of at least six people in the eastern part of the island. The impact of the storm was felt across the Caribbean, with Jamaica and the Cayman Islands experiencing heavy rains, power outages, and infrastructure damage.
Rafael’s arrival brought a sense of dread to Cuba, where residents were already grappling with blackouts and ongoing recovery efforts. The storm’s rapid intensification further heightened concerns, prompting urgent warnings from authorities. The US State Department issued an advisory for Cuba, offering departure flights for non-essential staff and American citizens, while urging others to reconsider travel to the island due to the potential risks posed by the storm.
As Rafael approached, the Cuban Civil Defence urged citizens to stay in place and prepare for the storm’s arrival. The authorities had previously issued evacuation orders for 37,000 people in the eastern province of Guantanamo due to the approaching bad weather. The hurricane warning was extended to several Cuban provinces, including Pinar del Rio, Artemisa, La Habana, Mayabeque, Matanzas, and the Isle of Youth, while a tropical storm warning was in effect for other areas. The storm also impacted Jamaica, where it knocked out power and caused flooding and landslides. The Jamaica Public Service, the island’s electricity provider, reported widespread power outages, and crews faced difficulties in restoring power due to impassable roads.
The Cayman Islands, which experienced a direct hit from Rafael, also reported significant damage. Power outages were widespread across the islands, and schools remained closed on Wednesday. The government advised residents to exercise caution due to rough seas and the risk of residual flooding. Forecasters warned of heavy rains across the western Caribbean, which could lead to flooding and mudslides in parts of Cuba and the Cayman Islands. The storm’s impact was also expected to extend north into Florida and the southeastern US, with heavy rainfall predicted for the middle to late part of the week.
The National Hurricane Center issued warnings of potential storm surges in Florida, with predictions of 1 to 3 feet in Dry Tortugas and 1 to 2 feet in the Lower Florida Keys. The center also anticipated the formation of a few tornadoes over the Keys and southwestern Florida. Rafael marks the 17th named storm of the 2024 hurricane season, which the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has predicted to be significantly above average, with an anticipated 17 to 25 named storms, including 13 hurricanes and four major hurricanes.
