The National Hurricane Center, the NHC, has just updated its warning on Tropical Storm Rafael: Intermediate Warning No. 7A, which will become a Hurricane in a few hours before making landfall in Cuba.
The National Hurricane Center has just issued a new advisory regarding Tropical Storm Rafael, which is currently located southwest of Jamaica.
At 7:00 am (Cuba and Miami time) this Tuesday, November 5, 2024, the center of Rafael was located at latitude 17.4° North and longitude 78.4° West, approximately 80 miles (130 km) south -southwest of Montego Bay, Jamaica, and 230 miles (370 km) southeast of Grand Cayman.
The storm has maximum sustained winds of 60 mph (95 km/h) and is moving northwest at 13 mph (20 km/h).
The minimum central pressure has been estimated at 993 mb (29.33 in). A general movement toward the northwest is anticipated during the next few days.
According to the forecast, Rafael will move near Jamaica this morning, reach the Cayman Islands tonight, and approach western Cuba early Wednesday and tomorrow.
Rafael is forecast to intensify steadily to rapidly over the next 24 to 36 hours, becoming a hurricane when it reaches the northwestern Caribbean near the Cayman Islands with a additional strengthening before impacting Cuba.
NHC Warnings on Storm Rafael
Hurricane warnings are in effect for the Cayman Islands and several Cuban provinces, including Pinar del Río, Artemisa, Havana, Mayabeque, Matanzas and Isla de la Juventud.
Jamaica and the Cuban provinces of Villa Clara, Cienfuegos, Sancti Spíritus and Ciego de Ávila remain under a tropical storm warning, while the provinces of Camagüey and Las Tunas are under a tropical storm warning.
Tropical storm-force winds extend up to 105 miles (165 km) from the center of Rafael.
People in these areas are advised to follow updates and prepare for possible adverse conditions. Here we will continue to inform.
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**Interview on Tropical Storm Rafael with Meteorologist Dr. Emily Hartman**
**Interviewer:** Good morning, Dr. Hartman. Thank you for joining us today to discuss Tropical Storm Rafael, which is rapidly intensifying. Can you give us an overview of the current situation?
**Dr. Hartman:** Good morning! Yes, Tropical Storm Rafael has been upgraded to Hurricane status and is currently situated southwest of Jamaica. As of the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center, it is expected to make landfall in Cuba very soon.
**Interviewer:** What are the primary concerns for areas facing the approach of Rafael, especially in Cuba?
**Dr. Hartman:** The major concern right now is the heavy rainfall. The forecasts indicate that we could see widespread rainfall amounts of 3 to 6 inches, but some localized areas could even receive upwards of 10 inches of rain. This could lead to flooding and other hazardous conditions.
**Interviewer:** How does the storm’s intensity at this stage compare to similar storms in the past?
**Dr. Hartman:** Every storm is unique, but Rafael is noteworthy for its rapid intensification. It’s not uncommon for storms in this region to strengthen quickly, especially as they approach land. The conditions in the Caribbean are currently favorable for hurricanes, which could contribute to Rafael’s strength.
**Interviewer:** With the storm’s impact anticipated, what precautions should residents in Cuba and nearby regions be taking right now?
**Dr. Hartman:** Residents should heed any evacuation orders from local authorities. It’s essential to prepare emergency kits with food, water, and first-aid supplies. Additionally, securing properties and having a plan in place for potential power outages is crucial as we brace for severe weather.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Hartman, for your insights. We’ll keep a close eye on Tropical Storm Rafael as it continues its path. Stay safe, everyone!
**Dr. Hartman:** Thank you for having me! Stay vigilant and informed, everyone.
