Gusts of up to 72 km/h in Havana following the passage of the eighth cold front of the season

The eighth cold front of the current winter season caused winds with gusts of up to 72 km/h in Havana on Saturday, as it moves through central Cuba and reinforces winter conditions across much of the country.

According to the Forecast Center of the Institute of Meteorology (Insmet) in a publication on Facebook, strong winds have been recorded in the western region following the passage of the frontal system.

At the Casa Blanca weather station, a gust from the northwest of 72 km/h was reported, along with a maximum sustained wind of 68 km/h between 5:00 and 5:20 p.m., it specified.

Insmet specified that previously, other significant wind gusts had been recorded, including one of 67 km/h shortly before 5:05 p.m. and another of 65 km/h at 1:30 p.m., all associated with the circulation of the frontal system.

Due to the deterioration of weather conditions, the National Civil Defense Staff issued an Early Alert Notice for the western region of the country.

The agency warned that the event will cause notably cold early mornings, as well as rough seas and coastal flooding in low-lying areas of the northwestern coast, including the Havana waterfront.

According to the information cited by the Civil Defense, coming from the Insmet Forecast Center, during the passage of the front, cloudiness will increase with showers and rains, which will then spread to the rest of the national territory.

Behind the system, a dry and very cold air mass will advance, intensifying the drop in temperatures, with lows expected to be below 5 degrees Celsius.

Authorities warned about strong swells, with waves estimated between 3 and 4 meters, and noted that an intensification of the waves is already being observed along the Havana waterfront.

The coincidence of the phenomenon with a high tide forecasted for 8:00 p.m. significantly increases the likelihood of coastal flooding.

The Civil Defense advised the population to stay informed through official channels and to diligently follow the instructions of local authorities.

Among the recommended measures are dressing warmly, protecting children and the elderly, avoiding staying or traveling in low-lying and flooded areas of the north coast, and preparing for a possible evacuation.

The National Chief of Staff reported that, along with the meteorological and hydraulic resource institutes, it is monitoring the development of the system and did not rule out the issuance of new alerts if conditions warrant.