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

Tropical storm Rafael is intensifying in the Caribbean, near the shores of Jamaica, and is moving northwest 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 experience gradual intensification over the next few hours, as favorable conditions for its development are anticipated this Tuesday.

The NHC warns that Rafael could develop into a hurricane as it approaches Cuba and could reach the archipelago's coasts with strength on Wednesday.

Notices and warnings issued by the NHC regarding Rafael.

The NHC issued alerts for various areas, anticipating hazardous conditions in the coming days.

• Hurricane WarningIndeed, for the Cayman Islands and the Cuban provinces of Pinar del Río, Artemisa, La Habana, Mayabeque, Matanzas, and Isla de la Juventud.
• Tropical Storm WarningIndeed, this applies to Jamaica and the Cuban provinces of Villa Clara, Cienfuegos, Sancti Spíritus, and Ciego de Ávila.
• Tropical Storm WatchA warning 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 the 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 population is advised to take immediate precautions to protect lives and property.

Cubans should stay informed about the development of Tropical Storm Rafael, as indications suggest it will gain strength in the coming hours.

Impact and Effects Forecast of Rafael in the Caribbean

Rafael could cause significant effects in various areas of the western Caribbean, particularly 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, may face hurricane-force winds on Wednesday. Jamaica could experience tropical storm conditions until later today.
• RainsHeavy rainfall is expected, potentially reaching between 75 and 150 mm in Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, and western Cuba, with 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 minor coastal flooding is expected tonight. In the Cayman Islands, sea levels could rise by 30 to 90 cm above the normal tide level. In southern Cuba, the combination of storm surge and tide could elevate 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 progression, the National Hurricane Center urges residents in affected areas to finalize their preparations as soon as possible.

Local authorities and the Cuban Meteorological Institute 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 southwest of the peninsula on Wednesday, which could further complicate the situation in the area.