The Forecast Center of the Cuban Institute of Meteorology continues to update on the effects that the hurricane will cause in western Cuba, as it moves towards Florida.
Hurricane Milton has intensified its strength and has returned to category five on the Saffir-Simpson scale. Currently, it is moving slowly north of the Yucatan Peninsula, with maximum sustained winds of 270 km/h and stronger gusts. Its pressure has fallen to 905 hectopascals.
Location and trajectory
At 6:00 pm, the center of the hurricane was located at 22.7 degrees North latitude and 87.4 degrees West longitude. This places it 260 km west-northwest of Cape San Antonio, in Pinar del Río, Cuba, and 770 km southwest of Tampa, Florida.
Milton is moving east-northeast at 15 km/h. In the next few hours, it is expected to accelerate toward the northeast and approach the west coast of Florida by Wednesday night.
Effects in Cuba
Today, in the western region of Cuba, winds of between 20 and 35 km/h have been recorded, with gusts of up to 60 km/h, mainly in Pinar del Río and Mayabeque. Isabel Rubio, meteorological station in Pinar del Río, reported the maximum gust of 60 km/h.
In the next few hours, winds will increase to between 35 and 50 km/h, affecting areas from Pinar del Río to Mayabeque.
In addition, storm surges have already been reported on the southern coast of the region, with flooding in Surgidero de Batabanó, Mayabeque. Stronger storm surges are expected in the south of Isla de la Juventud and Pinar del Río, accompanied by moderate to light flooding.
Rain forecast
Hurricane Milton has generated rain and thunderstorms in the west of the country. These conditions will continue to affect the region with intense rainfall in the coming hours. Some areas could experience heavy rain overnight and into the day tomorrow.
INSMET will continue to monitor the evolution of Hurricane Milton, which remains a significant threat to Cuba and the Florida Peninsula. The next advisory will be issued at 6:00 am Wednesday.
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