Hurricane Rafael struck western Cuba yesterday as a powerful Category 3 storm with winds reaching 115 mph, marking it as the fifth major hurricane of the Atlantic season. The storm, which intensified rapidly in the 24 hours leading up to landfall, caused widespread disruption, triggering warnings for dangerous storm surges, flash flooding, and mudslides. The storm’s arrival appeared to plunge the island into a nationwide blackout, coming just weeks after Hurricane Oscar left Cuba reeling from prolonged power outages.
This makes Rafael the strongest hurricane to hit the northwestern Caribbean so late in the season since 2009. Officials remain on high alert as the storm pushes into the Gulf of Mexico, potentially impacting central Louisiana later this week. However, meteorologists caution that Rafael could alter course, potentially sparing the U.S. mainland from a direct hit.
For Cuba, already struggling with infrastructure challenges, Rafael’s impact has heightened concerns over recovery resources and power stability. Residents and authorities brace for continued disruptions as they assess the storm’s damage and watch its uncertain trajectory over the next few days.
Source: National Weather Service