Rafael, which according to the latest bulletin from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) has reached Category 3 with maximum sustained winds of 185 km/h (115 mph), is already strongly affecting some areas, including Cayo Largo del Sur, the Isle of Youth, and the southern coast of Matanzas.
The National Hurricane Center reported that a weather station in Cayo Largo del Sur recorded sustained winds of 93 km/h and gusts of up to 134 km/h.
According to the NHC in its 1:00 p.m. bulletin, the eye of Rafael was positioned just 65 km northeast of the Isle of Youth and 135 km south of Havana at that time.
The hurricane is moving northwest at 22 km/h (14 mph), with a minimum central pressure of 956 mb (28.23 inches).
It is expected to generate a dangerous storm surge, capable of causing flooding and hurricane-force winds that will endanger lives and property, warned the U.S. meteorological agency.
The NHC warns that the weather phenomenon threatens to produce a dangerous storm surge, capable of flooding coastal areas and creating wind conditions that could jeopardize lives and property.
Tropical storm warnings remain in effect for Villa Clara, Cienfuegos, and the Florida Keys, from Key West to the 5 Canal Bridge.
Rafael is expected to make landfall in western Cuba this afternoon, and will likely weaken as it crosses the island. However, it may regain strength upon entering the southeastern Gulf of Mexico.
Hurricane-force winds extend up to 30 km from the center of the hurricane, while tropical storm winds can reach up to 185 km.
Precipitation associated with Rafael could reach 10 to 20 cm, with isolated accumulations exceeding 30 cm in mountainous areas, which poses a high risk of flash floods and landslides in western Cuba.
The Cayman Islands and the Florida Keys will also experience significant rainfall.
Additionally, a storm surge is expected to raise sea levels between 2.7 and 4.2 meters above normal along the southern coast of Cuba, particularly in the Isle of Youth.
The swells generated by the hurricane could create dangerous rip current conditions in the western Caribbean and, eventually, in the Gulf of Mexico.
There is also the possibility of isolated tornadoes in the Florida Keys and the southwest of the peninsula. The public is urged to stay alert for updates and to follow the recommendations of local authorities.
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