The Cuban Meteorological Institute has issued an emergency warning for the western provinces of the country due to the entry of Hurricane Rafael into the province of Artemisa, specifically in the vicinity of Playa Majana, around 4:25 pm.
This system, which brings with it strong winds and heavy rain, is moving towards the northwest and is expected to go out to sea between 7:00 and 8:00 pm somewhere between Bahía Honda and Cabañas.
At 5:00 pm, the hurricane’s position was 5 kilometers southwest of the city of Artemisa and about 55 km southwest of Havana. With maximum sustained winds of 175 km/h and a minimum central pressure of 958 hPa, the meteorological phenomenon moves at a speed of 22 km/h. At the José Martí international airport, located in Havana, sustained winds of 55 km/h and gusts that reached 110 km/h were reported, which shows the strength of the hurricane in the region. In addition, warnings have been given about the possible formation of tornadoes in areas of Artemisa, specifically from Bahía Honda to Bauta and San Antonio de los Baños.
6:00 pm update: Rafael begins to go out to sea
At 6:00 pm, the center of Hurricane Rafael was located near Cabañas Bay, in Artemisa, 25 km west of Mariel and about 65 km west of Havana. The maximum sustained winds have been recorded at 170 km/h with a minimum central pressure of 962 hPa.
At the Mariel meteorological station, sustained winds of 130 km/h and a gust of 186 km/h were reported. In addition, the probabilities of embedded tornadoes remain in the province of Artemisa, with emphasis on the areas between Mariel, Guanajay and San Antonio de los Baños.
The authorities and the Cuban Meteorological Institute have urged the population to remain sheltered, since, despite noting possible periods of calm, the danger persists due to the intense winds and heavy rains that affect the region. The situation remains critical in the western part of the country, and it is essential that all citizens remain attentive to updates and comply with recommended security measures.
The entire population of the western region of Cuba is recommended to remain informed and follow the instructions of local authorities to guarantee their safety in the face of the continued threat of this powerful hurricane.
#maximum #alert #Artemisa #Havana
**Interview with Dr. Ana Rodriguez, Meteorologist at the Cuban Meteorological Institute**
**Interviewer:** Good evening, Dr. Rodriguez. Thank you for joining us to discuss Hurricane Rafael. Can you tell us more about the current situation and the potential impacts on western Cuba?
**Dr. Rodriguez:** Good evening. Thank you for having me. As you mentioned, Hurricane Rafael made landfall today in the province of Artemisa. We are seeing maximum sustained winds of 175 kilometers per hour, which poses a significant threat to the area. Our current models indicate that the hurricane will continue moving northwest and is likely to exit the coast between Bahía Honda and Cabañas later this evening.
**Interviewer:** What kind of emergency measures are being implemented in response to the hurricane?
**Dr. Rodriguez:** The Cuban Meteorological Institute has issued an emergency warning for the western provinces, particularly Artemisa. Local authorities are urging residents to evacuate vulnerable areas and are preparing shelters for those affected. We also recommend that individuals stay indoors, secure their homes, and avoid unnecessary travel.
**Interviewer:** With such high winds and heavy rain expected, what specific hazards are residents facing?
**Dr. Rodriguez:** The primary concerns right now are flooding from heavy rains and damaging winds that can uproot trees, down power lines, and cause structural damage to buildings. Coastal flooding is also a risk, especially in low-lying areas. We advise everyone to be prepared for power outages and to have essential supplies on hand.
**Interviewer:** As the hurricane moves out to sea, what can residents expect in the upcoming hours?
**Dr. Rodriguez:** As Rafael moves northwest, conditions will gradually improve for areas that experienced direct impact. However, lingering heavy rain and winds may persist for a few hours after it leaves the coastline. Our teams will continue to monitor the situation closely, and we will provide updates as needed.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Rodriguez, for the insights and your dedication to the safety of the community. We hope for the best for everyone affected by Hurricane Rafael.
**Dr. Rodriguez:** Thank you. Stay safe, everyone, and please heed local advisories.
