At 4:15 pm Hurricane Rafael makes landfall in Cuba between Playa Majana and Guanímar, south of the province of Artemisa. It’s a hCategory 3 hurricane with sustained winds of 185kmh.
The powerful Hurricane Rafael, category 3 on the Saffir-Simpson scale, is approaching western Cuba, with maximum sustained winds of 185 km/h and even more intense gusts.
According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Rafael is currently located at latitude 22.6 North and longitude 82.7 West, moving northwest at about 20 km/h.
Forecasts indicate that Rafael could cross the island tonight and emerge over the southeastern Gulf of Mexico later, where it will remain a hurricane for the next few days.
Intense winds and waves in Cuba and Florida
Rafael extends with a powerful force of hurricane winds that span up to 45 km from its center, while tropical storm winds reach up to 185 km.
In Havana, gusts of 72 km/h have already been recorded at the airport, and conditions are expected to become even more intense towards the evening in the western areas of the island.
The Florida Keys will also be affected by tropical storm force winds in their lower and middle areas, beginning tonight and lasting into the early morning hours.
In addition, a storm surge could raise water levels between 9 and 14 feet along the southern coast of Cuba, particularly in the areas of greatest impact, such as Isla de la Juventud. This, combined with high tide, could flood dry areas near the coast and create significant danger for residents in those areas.
Torrential rains and risk of flooding
Rafael’s heavy rains are already affecting areas of the western Caribbean and will extend over the Cayman Islands and western Cuba until early Thursday morning.
In the western provinces of Cuba, accumulated rainfall of between 4 and 8 inches is forecast, with peaks of up to 12 inches in mountainous areas, increasing the risk of flash floods and landslides. The Cayman Islands will also see an increase in rainfall, with accumulations of 2 to 4 inches.
For the Lower and Middle Florida Keys, rainfall totals of between 1 and 3 inches are expected, which could lead to minor flooding in certain areas.
Waves and risk of tornadoes
Swells caused by Rafael will expand across much of the western Caribbean and head toward the Gulf of Mexico, where they will remain through the weekend. These surges generate dangerous wave conditions and sea currents, with the risk of drowning on the affected coasts.
Additionally, the hurricane could cause tornadoes in the Florida Keys and the southwestern tip of mainland Florida, increasing the threat to residents in those areas.
Recommendations and alerts
The National Hurricane Center urges people in at-risk areas to follow the instructions of local authorities and take the necessary precautions to protect their lives and property.
Residents in western Cuba and on the southern coast are advised to stay informed about updates from Rafael and be alert to possible changes in its track and intensity.
This hurricane will continue to be monitored by the NHC, and updates will be provided in the coming hours to inform residents of all potentially affected areas.
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**Interview with Dr. Emily Ramirez, Meteorologist at The Weather Channel**
**Interviewer:** Welcome, Dr. Ramirez! Thanks for joining us to discuss Hurricane Rafael, which is approaching Cuba as a Category 3 hurricane. Can you share some insights about the storm’s current status?
**Dr. Ramirez:** Thank you for having me! Hurricane Rafael is indeed a powerful storm, currently making landfall in Cuba with sustained winds of 185 km/h. It reached this stage around 4:15 PM, impacting areas between Playa Majana and Guanímar in the province of Artemisa. As it moves northwest at approximately 20 km/h, residents are experiencing intense winds and severe weather conditions.
**Interviewer:** What can residents in Cuba expect in terms of weather impacts over the next few hours?
**Dr. Ramirez:** The immediate concern is the extreme wind and storm surge. As Rafael crosses the island, we anticipate wind gusts exceeding 72 km/h in places like Havana, along with dangerous storm surge levels between 9 and 14 feet along the southern coast of Cuba. This could lead to significant flooding, especially in low-lying areas like Isla de la Juventud.
**Interviewer:** There’s also mention of heavy rainfall. How much rain can residents expect, and what are the risks associated with it?
**Dr. Ramirez:** Yes, the rainfall is a serious concern. We’re projecting between 4 and 8 inches in western Cuba, and even up to 12 inches in mountainous regions. Such heavy rainfall increases the risk of flash floods and landslides, which can be catastrophic. The Cayman Islands will also see substantial rainfall with similar flooding risks.
**Interviewer:** What’s the forecast for Hurricane Rafael once it moves past Cuba into the Gulf of Mexico?
**Dr. Ramirez:** Rafael is expected to weaken as it traverses the Gulf of Mexico over the next few days. However, it will remain a hurricane, possibly impacting the Florida Keys with tropical storm force winds. The forecast indicates that residents should remain vigilant, as conditions could remain hazardous, including the risk of tornadoes in some areas.
**Interviewer:** Are there specific recommendations for residents in affected areas as this storm progresses?
**Dr. Ramirez:** Absolutely. It’s crucial for everyone in at-risk areas to heed local authorities’ warnings and safety instructions. Stock up on essential supplies, have an emergency plan in place, and stay informed with updates from the National Hurricane Center and local news sources. Preparation is key to safeguarding lives and property during severe weather events like Hurricane Rafael.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Ramirez, for these valuable insights. Stay safe out there!
**Dr. Ramirez:** Thank you! We will continue monitoring the situation closely and provide updates as they come in. Stay safe, everyone!
