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Eastern Cuba woke up this Friday under cloudy skies and isolated showers, a prelude to deteriorating weather conditions due to the advance of a very active tropical wave that is already causing rain and thunderstorms in several areas.
Specialists warn that in the coming hours, the phenomenon could develop into a low pressure system and reach the status of a depression or tropical storm near the Bahamas.
The Cuban meteorologist Raydel Ruisanchez noted on Facebook that cloud cover and rainfall have intensified in the eastern region, with anticipated accumulations of between 50 and 100 millimeters of rain within 24 hours, and the possibility of exceeding that number in isolated areas.
It also warned of an increase in wind intensity and wave height in the areas affected by the storms.
The Provincial Meteorological Center of Ciego de Ávila confirmed early in the morning the influence of the system located at 73°W over Hispaniola, whose cloud cover is already impacting the eastern region of Cuba.
According to the entity, it is expected that in the next 24 to 48 hours, a low-pressure area will form and develop into a tropical cyclone.
In this scenario, the Meteorological Institute (INSMET) issued a Special Notice for heavy and intense rains and thunderstorms from Camagüey to Guantánamo.
INSMET detailed that the system, which was already affecting the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico on Thursday, will move to the west-northwest and could organize into a large area of low pressure near the Bahamas in the coming hours.
The notice warned that starting this Friday, the 26th, and throughout the weekend, numerous showers and thunderstorms will be registered in the eastern region, with rain that may be heavy and intense in some areas.
Tropical wave monitored for its cyclonic potential in the Caribbean
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) of the United States reported that the system, identified as AL94, is showing signs of organization and could soon develop into a tropical depression.
The agency granted an 80% chance of cyclonic development in 48 hours and a 90% chance in seven days, as it moves northwest over the southwestern Atlantic.
Additionally, it warned of rain and gusts of wind for the Dominican Republic, Haiti, the Turks and Caicos Islands, and possibly eastern Cuba.
Although there is still uncertainty about the system's final path, experts agree that the greatest immediate threat to Cuba is the rainfall.
Guantánamo strengthens measures in anticipation of possible heavy rains and flooding
The easternmost province of Cuba has activated preventive plans in response to the approach of heavy rains and potential flooding over the weekend, related to the tropical wave moving through the eastern Caribbean.
Carlos Román González, director of the Provincial Meteorological Center, warned that, although the system is not yet organized, its proximity and the abundant humidity in the region will increase the likelihood of rain over eastern Cuba in the coming days.
In response to this situation, the first secretary of the Party in Guantánamo, Yoel Pérez García, and the governor, Alis Azahares Torreblanca, ordered a review and implementation of the flood protection plans.
Among the indicated measures are ensuring the protection of people in vulnerable areas, securing the availability of medical equipment and transportation for emergencies, reinforcing monitoring in rivers and dams, and protecting food, fuels, and other basic resources.
Civil Defense warns about the risks of flooding and landslides
The Civil Defense of Cuba issued an informational note, emphasizing the need to heighten hydrometeorological vigilance, particularly in areas prone to flooding and landslides.
He recalled that soil saturation, following months of prolonged drought in the east, increases the vulnerability of communities to intense rainfall.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bad Weather in Eastern Cuba
What is the current weather situation in eastern Cuba?
The eastern region of Cuba is under the influence of a very active tropical wave that is causing heavy rains and thunderstorms in several areas. It is expected that the phenomenon may develop into a low pressure system and potentially reach the category of depression or tropical storm near the Bahamas.
What measures are the Cuban authorities taking in response to this weather phenomenon?
The authorities, including the Civil Defense, have issued informational notes emphasizing the need to enhance hydrometeorological monitoring, especially in areas prone to flooding and landslides. Protection plans are being reviewed and implemented to safeguard the population and economic resources in the most vulnerable areas.
What is expected in terms of rainfall accumulation and other climate effects in the region?
Rainfall accumulations of between 50 and 100 millimeters are anticipated within 24 hours, with the possibility of exceeding that figure in isolated areas. An increase in wind intensity and wave height is also expected in areas affected by the storms.
What is the probability of cyclonic development for this system in eastern Cuba?
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) of the United States has reported that the system, identified as AL94, shows signs of organization. There is an 80% chance of cyclonic development in 48 hours and a 90% chance in seven days, as it moves northwest over the southwestern Atlantic.
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