Alert in Cuba: The Meteorological Institute issues a warning for Tropical Storm Rafael

Tropical Storm Rafael threatens Cuba. INSMET warns about its development and recommends caution. Rafael could strengthen into a hurricane near the Cayman Islands. Heavy rain and strong winds are expected.

Tormenta tropical Rafael © X/INSMET
Tropical Storm RafaelPhoto © X/INSMET

The Forecast Center of the Institute of Meteorology (INSMET) issued its Tropical Cyclone Alert No. 2, warning about the formation of Tropical Storm Rafael in the Caribbean Sea and the need to take necessary precautions due to the threat posed by the cyclone to the island.

INSMET highlights in its report the rapid development of what was previously Tropical Depression Eighteen. "Maximum sustained winds increased to 75 kilometers per hour, with higher gusts, and the central minimum pressure dropped to 997 hectoPascals," they reported.

The location of the tropical storm at 4:00 p.m. was at 15.5 degrees North latitude and 76.7 degrees West longitude, placing it approximately 280 kilometers south of Kingston, Jamaica, 635 kilometers southeast of Grand Cayman Island, and 920 kilometers southeast of Punta del Este, Isle of Youth.

Rafael is moving in a direction close to north at a translational speed of 15 kilometers per hour. This movement is expected to remain similar in the next 12 to 24 hours.

They also indicated that upon approaching the vicinity of Jamaica, it will alter its course to the northwest. "During its movement, it will gain more organization and intensity and could reach hurricane status near the Cayman Islands," they stated.

Meanwhile, the weather forecast for the remainder of the day in Cuba includes rain, showers, and thunderstorms in the eastern and central regions, which may be strong and intense in some areas.

The precipitation will later spread to the western part of Cuba. The effects of the wind and sea in the various regions of the country will depend on the trajectory and intensity reached by this tropical cyclonic system.

INSMET emphasized that, considering the current position and future trajectory of this entity, it is crucial to pay close attention to its development, the potential impacts on the national territory, and the information issued by that institution.

What do you think?

COMMENT

Filed under:


Do you have something to report? Write to CiberCuba:

editors@cibercuba.com +1 786 396 5689