The possible trajectory of Hurricane Rafael moves its eye away from Havana

Hurricane Rafael continues to strengthen as it approaches the west of Cuba, but predictive models from meteorological agencies indicate a high likelihood that its eye will move away from Havana.

One of the latest forecast models from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) indicated that the right side of Rafael, also known as the "dirty side" of the storm, would directly impact the Cuban capital.

The International Hurricane Research Center, part of Florida International University, highlighted that the most intense area of Rafael could bring strong winds, heavy rainfall, and dangerous waves, increasing the risk of disasters in Havana.

However, in its latest discussion on possible paths for Rafael, the NHC indicated that "the official forecast of the trajectory shifts to the left of the previous one," which would move the weather event away from the capital.

The "right side of the storm" is defined in relation to its trajectory. That is, "if the hurricane is moving westward, the right side is located to the north of the storm; if the hurricane is moving north, the right side will be to the east of the storm, and so on," clarified the NHC.

With Rafael moving westward, the "dirty side" of the hurricane would be directed toward geographic north, which could reduce the potential danger the phenomenon poses to the people of Havana.

"Rafael will remain in a favorable environment for strengthening as it approaches the west of Cuba. The hurricane will move over warm waters and will experience light to moderate vertical wind shear. The apparent onset of an eye wall replacement cycle could slow the recent rapid intensification rate, but it seems highly likely that Rafael will become a major hurricane before making landfall in the west of Cuba later today," said the NHC in its latest report.