Tropical Storm Rafael has been upgraded to a Category 1 hurricane with winds up to 75 mph as it approaches Cuba. This comes as the island continues recovering from a recent hurricane that resulted in deaths and extensive damage. Forecasters warn of potential flooding and mudslides as the storm is expected to hit on Wednesday.
Tropical Storm Rafael has been upgraded to a Category 1 hurricane with sustained winds reaching up to 75 miles per hour as it approaches western Cuba, having passed by Jamaica. This development presents further challenges for Cuba, which is still in the recovery phase after a previous hurricane caused fatalities and inflicted damage two weeks prior. The storm is currently positioned approximately 20 miles southeast of Little Cayman in the Cayman Islands and is moving northwest at a speed of 15 miles per hour. Meteorologists have issued warnings regarding potential flooding and mudslides expected as Rafael makes landfall on Wednesday. Cuba has been grappling with extensive blackouts due to the recent hurricane’s impact, which already claimed at least six lives in the eastern regions of the island. The incoming storm could exacerbate the already strained situation across the nation, as residents continue to face the aftermath of the recent disaster. The storm has already begun to affect the surrounding Caribbean areas. Authorities remain vigilant as the situation develops, preparing for the threats posed by heavy rainfall and aggravated weather conditions.
The Atlantic hurricane season typically runs from June 1 to November 30, during which tropical storms are common. Tropical Storm Rafael, having transitioned into a hurricane, highlights the volatility of weather systems in this period. The recent hurricane that struck Cuba serves as a grim reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by the island, particularly given its geographic position. The local population is currently enduring the effects of both power outages and ongoing recovery efforts, making the emergence of another storm particularly concerning for communities already under stress. Understanding this context is crucial for grasping the potential impact of Rafael.
In summary, Tropical Storm Rafael’s intensification into a Category 1 hurricane poses a significant threat as it approaches Cuba, an island still recovering from a previous hurricane’s devastating impact. With maximum sustained winds of 75 mph and the risk of severe flooding and mudslides, authorities are on high alert as the storm is predicted to make landfall imminently. The prevailing conditions on the ground make this a precarious situation for Cuba as it contends with natural disaster recovery.
Original Source: chicago.suntimes.com