The National Hurricane Center (NHC) warned in its ninth bulletin that Tropical Storm Rafael has intensified and is expected to become a hurricane as it passes near or over the Cayman Islands in the next 12 hours.
The NHC indicated on social media platform X that damaging hurricane-strength winds, dangerous storm surges, and destructive waves are expected in the region.
According to the latest bulletin from the NHC, Tropical Storm Rafael is located at 19.1°N 79.6°W and is moving northwest at 15 mph (24 km/h). The lowest recorded pressure is 989 mb, and maximum sustained winds reach 70 mph (113 km/h).
Additionally, it was warned that further strengthening is expected before Rafael reaches the western part of Cuba and the Isle of Youth on Wednesday, where a hurricane warning is also in effect.
Tropical storm conditions are also expected in the Florida Keys, especially in the Lower and Middle Keys, starting Wednesday and into Wednesday night.
Rafael will bring heavy rainfall to parts of the western Caribbean until Thursday, including Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, as well as the southern and western regions of Cuba. There are warnings of possible flash floods and landslides in the mountainous areas of Jamaica and Cuba.
Although it is too early to determine the impact this hydrometeorological phenomenon may have on the northern Gulf of Mexico coast, residents in that area are advised to stay informed with regular updates, as stated in the bulletin.
Due to its movement, the right side of Rafael, also referred to as the "dirty side" of the storm, will directly impact Havana, which could lead to severe damage, heavy rainfall, and flooding.
The General Staff of Civil Defense of Cuba, due to the imminent impact of Rafael on Cuban territory, decided this Monday to establish an alert phase for the provinces of Matanzas, Mayabeque, Havana, Artemisa, Pinar del Río, and the special municipality of Isla de la Juventud, due to the possibility of being directly affected by Rafael.
Since that moment, various measures have been implemented to minimize the damage caused by the hydrometeorological phenomenon.
Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel assured on Tuesday that the country is “prepared and organized” to confront this new threat, a statement that contrasts sharply with the stark reality of government management during the recent crisis.
In recent hours, there has been an increase in rainfall and thunderstorms in the central and eastern regions of Cuba.
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