Hurricane Rafael strengthens to Category 3 as it approaches Cuba

Published by BBNTEAM at November 6, 2024

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Posted: Wednesday, November 6, 2024. 1:15 pm CST.

By Zoila Palma Gonzalez: Hurricane Rafael has strengthened into a Category 3 storm as it approaches the western coast of Cuba, bringing life-threatening storm surge, damaging hurricane-force winds, and flash flooding to the region.

At 1:00 PM EST, the storm was located about 40 miles northeast of the Isle of Youth and 85 miles south 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.

A Tropical Storm Warning is also in effect for the provinces of Villa Clara and Cienfuegos, as well as the Florida Keys and Dry Tortugas.

Rafael’s maximum sustained winds have increased to 115 mph (185 km/h), with higher gusts.

The storm is expected to make landfall in western Cuba this afternoon before moving into the southeastern Gulf of Mexico tonight.

While some weakening is expected over Cuba, Rafael is forecast to emerge as a hurricane in the Gulf.

Hurricane-force winds extend 15 miles from the center, and tropical-storm-force winds extend up to 115 miles.

Residents in the affected areas are urged to take precautions as the storm approaches.

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