Hurricane Rafael strengthens, expected to become Major Storm before landfall in Western Cuba

Published by BBNTEAM at November 6, 2024

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Posted: Wednesday, November 6, 2024. 9:59 am CST.

By Zoila Palma Gonzalez: Hurricane Rafael is rapidly intensifying and is expected to become a major hurricane before making landfall in western Cuba later today.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC)s data shows that the storm, currently packing maximum sustained winds near 110 mph (175 km/h), is moving northwest at 14 mph (22 km/h) and is forecast to strengthen further as it nears Cuba.

As of 10:00 AM EST, the storm’s center was located about 60 miles (95 km) east-southeast of the Isle of Youth and 130 miles (205 km) south-southeast of Havana.

A Hurricane Warning is in effect for the Cuban provinces of Pinar del Rio, Artemisa, La Habana, Mayabeque, Matanzas, and the Isle of Youth, where life-threatening storm surge, damaging hurricane-force winds, and flash flooding are expected.

A Tropical Storm Warning has also been issued for several areas, including the Cuban provinces of Villa Clara, Cienfuegos, Sancti Spiritus, and Ciego de Avila, as well as the Lower and Middle Florida Keys, from Key West to the west of the Channel 5 Bridge, and the Dry Tortugas.

Rafael is forecast to move near or just east of the Isle of Youth in the coming hours before making landfall in western Cuba.

The storm is expected to weaken as it moves over the island, but it is predicted to reemerge into the southeastern Gulf of Mexico tonight as a hurricane.

Residents in the affected areas are urged to prepare for the storm’s arrival, with strong winds, heavy rain, and life-threatening storm surges expected in the coming hours.

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