The wind-fueled fire has forced thousands to evacuate
A nationwide blackout occurred over Cuba on November 6, as winds of up to 185 kph (115 mph) swept over the country, causing a complete collapse of the electricity grid. Over 70,000 people were evacuated in preparation for Hurricane Rafael's arrival, with fears of flash flooding and mudslides building. The storm arrives just weeks following Hurricane Oscar, which left six people dead. Fears of the storm's intensification as Rafael makes it way through the Gulf of Mexico are driving preparations in neighboring countries.
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Hurricane Rafael raged into Cuba as a Category 3 hurricane, prior to beginning to lose some power as it passed through the Gulf of Mexico. Winds, rain, and other difficult conditions are set to continue diminishing.
Marking the fifth major hurricane in 2024 alone, Hurricane Rafael caused Cuba's power grid to collapse, leaving tens of thousands in the dark.
Hurricane Rafael comes just weeks after Hurricane Oscar passed through Cuba and the Cayman Islands, causing the first power grid knockout in Cuba.
Frustration builds while citizens, once again, await the return of power. The last incident provoked protests on the island, in which citizens banged on pots, chanting, "Turn on the lights."
One of the major challenges Cuba continues to face are the effects of the trade embargo, which impacts the ability for the country to have sufficient resources to recover from power outages, and to adequately respond to other challenges that may arise in periods of disaster.
Hurricane Rafael left Cuba in darkness after huge waves crashed on Havana's shores.
Media outlets warned of Rafael's dangers, specifically the risk of high winds and flash floods to western parts of the island.
The storm, 55 miles (90 kilometers) west-northwest of Havana, made its way across the island, eventually decreasing to a Category 2 hurricane.
According to an AP News report, Silvia Pérez, a 72-year-old retiree and Havana resident, expressed her fears: "This is a night I don't want to sleep through, between the battering air and the trees. I'm scared for my friends and family."
The Cuban government issued an alert for the incoming storm, advising its citizens to take shelter. Public workers attempted to fortify buildings in anticipation of prospective flooding.
Pictured: fallen trees after the landfall of Hurricane Rafael in Pueblo Candelaria, west of Havana.
Schools and transportation were suspended on the island, including flights.
A hurricane warning was issued for the provinces of Pinar del Rio, Artemisa, La Habana, Mayabeque, Matanzas, and the Isle of Youth. A tropical storm warning has also been issued for the Florida Keys.
Hurricane Rafael made its way to Cuba after unleashing floods in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, also resulting in power outages throughout the islands.
Havana's streets were emptied after the arrival of Hurricane Rafael.
Due to climate change, increased ocean temperatures are causing more frequent storms.
Hurricane Rafael marks the ninth storm to quickly gain traction in the Atlantic Basin just in 2014 alone.
There is some uncertainty regarding which direction the storm will travel, an issue which continues to be monitored.
Over 70,000 people were evacuated from particularly high-risk areas before the storm arrived.
Forecasters do not expect the storms to be as severe as Helene and Milton.
Forecasters also warn that tropical storm conditions will likely hit the Florida Keys by November 7.
Heavy rainfall is expected into Florida and other areas in the southeast US.
The Hurricane Center suggests rain in Florida could reach up to three feet (nearly one meter).
Warnings regarding possible tornadoes in southwestern Florida have also been issued.
The US State Department issued a travel advisory for Cuba, offering departure flights for American citizens.
Hurricane Rafael marks the 17th named storm of the season.
Predictions from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration show frightening prospects of an above average storm season.
A typical Atlantic hurricane season may result in 14 named storms.
Two more potential tropical storms threaten to rage on in the Atlantic Basin.
Sources: (BBC) (CNN) (NPR) (CBS News) (AP News) (Reuters)
Hurricane Rafael crashes through the Gulf
Marking the ninth storm raging through the Atlantic Basin in 2024
LIFESTYLE Natural disaster
A nationwide blackout occurred over Cuba on November 6, as winds of up to 185 kph (115 mph) swept over the country, causing a complete collapse of the electricity grid. Over 70,000 people were evacuated in preparation for Hurricane Rafael's arrival, with fears of flash flooding and mudslides building. The storm arrives just weeks following Hurricane Oscar, which left six people dead. Fears of the storm's intensification as Rafael makes it way through the Gulf of Mexico are driving preparations in neighboring countries.
Want to know more? Click through the following gallery.