Rafael strengthens and advances towards Cuba: What to expect in the coming hours?

Tropical storm Rafael is strengthening in the Caribbean, near the coasts of Jamaica, and is moving northwestward toward Cuba at a speed of 20 km/h.

The seventh bulletin issued by the National Hurricane Center (NHC) of the United States located the center of the storm at latitude 17.0 North and longitude 78.0 West. It is situated approximately 170 km southwest of Kingston, Jamaica, and 425 km southeast of the Cayman Islands.

The maximum sustained winds of Rafael have increased to 95 km/h, and the system is expected to undergo gradual strengthening over the next few hours, as favorable conditions for its development are anticipated this Tuesday.

The NHC warns that Rafael could become a hurricane as it approaches Cuba and may reach the archipelago's shores with strength on Wednesday.

Notices and warnings issued by the NHC regarding Rafael.

The NHC issued alerts for various areas, anticipating dangerous conditions in the coming days:

• Hurricane WarningIndeed, for the Cayman Islands and the Cuban provinces of Pinar del Río, Artemisa, Havana, Mayabeque, Matanzas, and the Isle of Youth.
• Tropical Storm WarningIndeed, for Jamaica and the Cuban provinces of Villa Clara, Cienfuegos, Sancti Spíritus, and Ciego de Ávila.
• Tropical Storm WatchIt has been issued for the Cuban provinces of Camagüey and Las Tunas, as well as for the Florida Keys from Key West to the west of Channel 5 Bridge and the Dry Tortugas.

The hurricane warning indicates that adverse conditions are expected in the mentioned areas within approximately 36 hours. The public is advised to take immediate precautions to protect lives and property.

Cubans need to stay informed about the development of Tropical Storm Rafael, as it is expected to gain strength in the coming hours.

Impact and Effects Forecast of Rafael in the Caribbean

Rafael could have significant effects in various areas of the western Caribbean, especially in Cuba, where the following impacts are anticipated:

• WindsThe Cayman Islands are expected to experience hurricane conditions this afternoon, while western Cuba, including the Isle of Youth, could face hurricane-force winds on Wednesday. Jamaica may experience tropical storm conditions until later today.
• RainsHeavy rainfall is expected, with totals ranging from 75 to 150 mm in Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, and western Cuba, and isolated accumulations of up to 250 mm in mountainous areas, increasing the risk of flash floods and landslides.
• Storm tidesOn the coasts of Jamaica, a slight coastal flooding is expected tonight. In the Cayman Islands, the sea level could rise by 30 to 90 cm above normal tide levels. In southern Cuba, the combination of storm surge and tide could raise sea levels between 1.8 and 2.7 meters in areas under alert, including the Isle of Youth.

Call for Caution: Rafael is Approaching Cuba

In light of Rafael's development, the National Hurricane Center urges residents in affected areas to complete their preparations as soon as possible.

Local authorities and the Cuban Institute of Meteorology recommend closely monitoring the situation due to the risk of adverse weather conditions that could pose a threat to life and property.

Additionally, there is a warning about the possibility of tornadoes in the Florida Keys and the southwestern part of the peninsula on Wednesday, which could further complicate the situation in the region.