Alert in South Florida: Rafael threatens the Keys with tornadoes and heavy rain

Tropical Storm Rafael threatens the Florida Keys with tornadoes and heavy rainfall. It is expected to strengthen into a hurricane after passing over Cuba. Authorities are urging residents to prepare and secure their homes.

Tormenta Tropical Rafael © NHC
Tropical Storm RafaelPhoto © NHC

Tropical Storm Rafael is strengthening in the Caribbean, bringing heavy rains, strong winds, and high waves along its path, and it may impact the Florida Keys in the next 24 hours.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) noted this Tuesday that Rafael is maintaining sustained winds of 95 km/h and is continuing to move toward Cuba, with the possibility of intensifying and becoming a hurricane before reaching the territory.

The NHC warns of the possibility of tornadoes in the Florida Keys and the southwest peninsula starting Wednesday, when Rafael could create favorable conditions for such phenomena.

Local authorities urge residents in these areas to take preventive measures and stay informed about the potential impact of the storm in the coming days.

Cone of Tropical Storm Rafael / NHC

Rafael has already passed near the coasts of Jamaica. It is expected to affect Cuba before heading north, where it could impact the Florida Keys and the southwest peninsula with adverse weather conditions.

As of this Tuesday, the NHC has issued a Tropical Storm Warning for the Florida Keys from Key West to the west of the Channel 5 Bridge and the Dry Tortugas.

The western provinces of Cuba are under Hurricane Alert, and heavy rainfall is expected, leading to landslides and storm surges.

After his time in Cuba, Rafael could complicate the situation in Florida. Authorities in the Keys have advised residents to secure their homes and prepare for potential disruptions to basic services, such as electricity and water.

Storm Winds Rafael, NHC

It is expected that the phenomenon, if it reaches Florida as a hurricane, will also cause flooding in low-lying coastal areas.

The community in South Florida remains on high alert, closely monitoring the path of Rafael, a system that has brought heavy rain to the Caribbean.

What do you think?

COMMENT

Filed under:


Do you have something to report? Write to CiberCuba:

editors@cibercuba.com +1 786 396 5689