Hurricane Rafael leaves Cuba through Artemisa

Hurricane Rafael left Cuba as a Category 2 storm just before 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, moving through the Bay of Cabañas in Artemisa.

The Havana government announced on Facebook that the center of Hurricane Rafael had already passed the island, despite which rain and winds continue in the western region for several hours.

For its part, the National Hurricane Center of the United States stated that the eye of the hurricane is moving toward the southeast of the Gulf of Mexico.

"Cyclonic surges threatening life, destructive hurricane winds, and sudden floods are expected in parts of western Cuba," it warned.

The NHC added that a hurricane warning remained in effect for the Cuban provinces of Pinar del Río, Artemisa, La Habana, Mayabeque, Matanzas, and the Isle of Youth, while a tropical storm warning was in place for Villa Clara and Cienfuegos.

Currently, hurricane conditions are expected for the Florida Keys, starting from Key West.

Hurricane Rafael made landfall at Playa Majana, south of Artemisa, as a Category 3 storm on Wednesday, and its winds decreased to 175 km/h, making it a Category 2.

Cuban authorities are beginning to assess the damage, and there are reports of several towns cut off from communication since Villa Clara.