As Hurricane Rafael barrels toward Cuba, the powerful Category 3 storm has rapidly intensified, posing a severe threat to the region. With maximum winds of 115 mph, Rafael is the fifth major Atlantic hurricane of the season and the strongest storm to reach the northwestern Caribbean this late in the year since 2020.
Intense Wind and Rainfall
By early Wednesday afternoon, Rafael was a mere 55 miles south-southwest of Havana. The hurricane’s winds have intensified by 55 mph within the past 24 hours, surpassing the threshold for rapid intensification, a phenomenon increasingly common with warmer oceans and atmospheric changes. Rafael is now expected to deliver heavy rains and potentially dangerous storm surges along Cuba’s southern shore, reaching heights of up to 13 feet.
Cuban Vulnerability After Recent Storms
This is Cuba’s second major storm in recent weeks. Hurricane Oscar devastated the country in October, causing widespread damage and power outages. Rafael is set to bring further destruction, with double-digit rainfall totals anticipated, potentially overwhelming Cuba’s power grid and vulnerable infrastructure once again.
Uncertain Path in the Gulf of Mexico
Rafael’s path, while forecast to weaken as it moves across the Gulf of Mexico, remains uncertain. As the storm tracks toward the Gulf, forecast models have narrowed potential landfall areas from Louisiana to northeastern Mexico. If upper-level winds disrupt Rafael as expected, the hurricane will likely weaken to tropical storm strength before potentially impacting the U.S. Gulf Coast over the weekend.
Preparations in the Gulf
Energy companies Shell and BP have already evacuated non-essential staff from some Gulf of Mexico platforms. Meanwhile, southeastern U.S. states are bracing for flooding rains as Rafael’s tropical moisture reaches parts of South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama. Although flash flooding risks persist, drier-than-usual soil in these regions may lessen the immediate impact.
Conclusion
With its rapid intensification and uncertain track, Hurricane Rafael serves as a reminder of the ongoing threats from major storms in the Atlantic. As the storm bears down on Cuba, authorities remain on high alert, preparing for what could be a devastating event for the country.
To stay updated on Hurricane Rafael, see The Weather Channel.