Hurricane Rafael Causes Destruction in Cuba and Moves Toward Gulf of Mexico

Hurricane Rafael, which made landfall as a Category 3 storm in Cuba, caused severe destruction and power outages, leading to the evacuation of 283,000 people. After affecting Cuba, Rafael weakened to a Category 2 hurricane and is currently traveling through the Gulf of Mexico, with warnings of life-threatening surf conditions. Recovery efforts in Cuba are underway, though many remain without power.

Hurricane Rafael made landfall in Cuba on Wednesday, becoming a powerful Category 3 storm that wreaked havoc as it moved through the region. The hurricane caused widespread destruction, knocking out power across the island and triggering the evacuation of approximately 283,000 residents. Following its path through Cuba, Hurricane Rafael was downgraded to a Category 2 storm and began swirling over the Gulf of Mexico, where it is expected to weaken before making its way towards Mexico. Despite the storm’s current downgrade, forecasters warned of the danger of life-threatening surf and rip currents generated by the hurricane. While there were currently no hurricane warnings issued for any coastal areas, the National Hurricane Center noted that Rafael was still packing maximum sustained winds of 110 mph as it moved northwest. The storm continued to pose challenges for Cuba, recovering from previous blackouts and the aftermath of severe weather events that had resulted in loss of lives and severe infrastructure damage.

The Caribbean has been experiencing a heightened frequency of hurricanes in recent years, with Hurricane Rafael being the latest weather system to affect this region. Prior to hitting Cuba, Rafael also impacted Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, leading to similar issues of power outages and disruption. Overall, the storm significantly affected the island nation already grappling with challenges connected to its energy crisis, which has been exacerbated by prior weather patterns that caused extensive damage and evacuations.

In conclusion, Hurricane Rafael’s impact on Cuba has been profound, resulting in power outages and the destruction of homes. Authorities are working diligently to address the extensive damage and restore electricity, with early reports indicating partial recovery of power in some areas. The storm exemplifies the increasing vulnerability of the Caribbean to severe weather events and highlights the need for continued preparedness and resilience in the face of such environmental challenges.

Original Source: apnews.com