Related videos:
Cuban meteorologist Raydel Ruisánchez reported on Wednesday a day marked by strong atmospheric instability in the western part of the country, especially in the province of Pinar del Río, where severe phenomena were recorded in two different locations.
According to a post on social media, around 5:22 PM, a severe local storm was reported in the municipality of San Juan and Martínez, characterized by hail, wind gusts estimated between 70 and 80 km/h, heavy rainfall, and numerous lightning strikes.
Hours earlier, in the Chamizo area, also in Pinar del Río, a tornado was spotted, although its duration was brief. The phenomenon did not leave any reports of damage but confirms the pattern of instability that has been affecting this region.
These conditions are associated with a trough in the mid and upper levels of the troposphere, combined with strong daytime warming, high humidity, and local factors that promote the occurrence of extreme events.
Ruisánchez also expressed gratitude to the meteorology specialist from Pinar del Río, Humberto Raúl Acosta González, for providing images and information about what happened.
In a previous post, the specialist warned that, despite the shift of the trough to the east and the decrease in relative humidity, some instability persists in Cuban territory, favored by the intense afternoon heat.
At that moment, there were showers, rainfall, and thunderstorms occurring along the southern coast of the provinces of Artemisa and Mayabeque.
The meteorologist reiterated the importance of taking precautions against thunderstorms, a common phenomenon in these weather conditions.
During the day on Tuesday, a severe local storm hit the municipality of Unión de Reyes, in the province of Matanzas, generating straight-line winds of over 90 kilometers per hour, heavy rainfall, and hail.
The event caused severe damage to the pharmacy in the town of Juan Gualberto Gómez, whose roof was destroyed, as well as to the judo gym of INDER, which also sustained significant structural losses.
Hours later, another severe local storm struck the locality of Juan Pedro Carbó, in Placetas, Villa Clara, also accompanied by hail, intense winds, and heavy rains. This time, damage was reported to the roofs of houses, fallen trees, and electrical issues, both in Placetas and in the Callejón de los Patos community in Santa Clara.
Despite the severity of the events, no human casualties were reported, and local authorities initiated assessment and recovery operations in the most affected areas.
Frequently Asked Questions about Weather Instability in Western Cuba
What weather phenomena have been recorded recently in the western part of Cuba?
A tornado and a severe storm have been reported in western Cuba, particularly in the province of Pinar del Río. These events have been accompanied by hail, strong winds, and heavy rains, reflecting significant atmospheric instability in the region.
What is the cause of atmospheric instability in the western part of Cuba?
The atmospheric instability in the western region of Cuba is linked to a trough in the mid to upper levels of the troposphere, combined with strong daytime heating, high humidity, and local factors that promote the formation of extreme phenomena such as tornadoes and severe storms.
What precautions should residents take during thunderstorms?
It is essential for residents to take precautions during thunderstorms, as these phenomena are common in situations of atmospheric instability. It is advised to avoid being outdoors during storms, seek shelter in safe places, and follow the instructions of local authorities.
How do these weather phenomena affect daily life in Cuba?
Weather phenomena such as severe storms and tornadoes significantly affect daily life in Cuba. They can cause interruptions in transportation, damage to infrastructure, and pose risks to people's safety. It is crucial for the population to stay informed and take preventive measures to minimize associated risks.
Filed under: