Hurricane Rafael continues to strengthen as it approaches Cuba and has reached category 2 status, with maximum sustained winds of 160 km/h, according to the latest bulletin from the National Hurricane Center (NHC).
The forecast remains that as it moves northwest, Rafael could reach an intensity close to that of a "major hurricane" - that is, category 3 - before making landfall in western Cuba.
According to the latest bulletin from the National Hurricane Center, at 7:00 a.m. it was located about 140 km southeast of the Isle of Youth and 260 km south-southeast of Havana.
A hurricane hunter aircraft has determined that the winds have reached category two strength. The phenomenon is expected to make landfall in Cuba, possibly in the Pinar del Río or Artemisa areas, later this afternoon.
It continues its movement northwest at a speed of 22 km/h (14 mph). The phenomenon has an estimated minimum central pressure of 964 millibars (28.47 inches).
Hurricane Rafael is expected to impact the Isle of Youth this morning, continuing towards the western part of Cuba this afternoon.
Rafael will continue moving northwest throughout today, followed by a turn toward the west-northwest in the Gulf of Mexico.
As it crosses the island, it may slightly weaken, but it is expected to regain strength in the southeastern Gulf of Mexico.
Current alerts and warnings
Hurricane Warning: Pinar del Río, Artemisa, Havana, Mayabeque, Matanzas, and the Isle of Youth.
Tropical Storm Warning: Villa Clara, Cienfuegos, Sancti Spíritus, and Ciego de Ávila. Tropical storm warning also for the Lower and Central Florida Keys, from Key West to the west of the 5 Canal Bridge; Dry Tortugas.
Tropical Storm Alert: Camagüey and Las Tunas.
Currently, hurricane-force winds extend up to 30 km from the center of the system, while tropical storm-force winds reach up to 165 km, impacting a considerable area.
Potential Hazards for the Affected Areas
Winds:
Hurricane conditions are likely in the Cayman Islands in the coming hours, while the western part of Cuba and the Isle of Youth will experience similar conditions today.
Tropical storm conditions are expected in the central-western region of Cuba and the Florida Keys throughout today and tonight.
Rains:
Rain accumulations of 10 to 18 cm are forecasted for the Cayman Islands and western Cuba, with isolated amounts reaching up to 25 cm in mountainous areas. These rains may lead to flash flooding and landslides. In Jamaica and the Florida Keys, accumulations of 2.5 to 7.5 cm are expected.
Cyclonic Swell:
The storm surge could raise sea levels by 30 to 90 cm above normal tide levels in the Cayman Islands tonight, and between 2.5 and 3.6 meters along the southern coast of Cuba in areas under hurricane warning, including the Isle of Youth.
Tornadoes:
There is a possibility of tornadoes in the Florida Keys and southwestern Florida today.
Waves and Rip Currents:
Strong waves are expected in the western Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico, with a risk of dangerous rip currents.
What do you think?
COMMENTFiled under: