<a href="http://www.world-today-news.com/they-are-announcing-a-cyconic-warning-level-for-western-and-central-cuba-due-to-hurricane-rafael/" title="They are announcing a Cyconic warning level for western and central Cuba due to Hurricane Rafael”>Hurricane Rafael has reached category 1 with sustained winds of 120 kilometers per hour, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC). The storm, which began as a tropical depression in the western Caribbean, has gained strength as it moves northwest. It is expected to continue to intensify as it moves toward Cuba and then enters the Gulf of Mexico. This phenomenon represents a threat to the inhabitants of Jamaica, the Cayman Islands and Cuba, where hurricane warnings have been issued in several western provinces, such as Pinar del Río, Artemisa, Havana, Mayabeque, Matanzas and the Isle of Youth, according to Telemundo.
According to Fox Weather, Rafael has already had a significant impact in the western Caribbean, especially Jamaica, where it has generated heavy rain and strong winds. In the town of Mandeville, Louisiana, authorities have reported flooding and strong wind gusts caused by the storm. According to the NHC, rainfall in Jamaica is expected to reach accumulations of up to 15 centimeters in low-lying areas and up to 25 centimeters in mountainous areas, which increases the risk of landslides and flooding.
In the Cayman Islands, located in the path of Rafael, hurricane conditions are expected to begin to be felt on Tuesday afternoon. According to the NHC, a storm surge could raise the water level by up to one meter in certain sectors of the islands, which, combined with heavy rain, represents a high risk of flooding in coastal areas.
Hurricane warnings in Cuba
In Cuba, the government has issued hurricane warnings for several western provinces, including Isla de la Juventud and Pinar del Río, where tropical storm conditions are expected to intensify starting Wednesday. The NHC predicts that Rafael could make landfall in the western region of Cuba, with precipitation that could accumulate up to 23 centimeters of rain in some places, posing an elevated risk of flooding and landslides in mountainous areas.
The Cuban government has asked the population to stay informed and prepare for possible evacuations in case the situation worsens. According to the NHC, the waves could reach up to three meters high on the coast of Pinar del Río, generating dangerous conditions on the coast. These forecasts have also led Cuban authorities to activate emergency protocols and prepare to provide assistance in the event of significant damage in the most exposed areas.
Advance towards the Gulf of Mexico and its potential impact on the US
According to the NHC, Hurricane Rafael is expected to continue moving northwest after passing through Cuba, with a high probability of entering the Gulf of Mexico. Although the exact impact that Rafael could have on the Gulf Coast of the United States has not yet been determined, the agency recommended that residents of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida closely monitor the evolution of the storm.
According to meteorologists, Rafael could encounter favorable conditions for further intensification as it enters the Gulf. Although there are meteorological factors that could alter its course, the NHC considers it likely that the hurricane will maintain its intensity and even strengthen. This has led authorities in the Gulf states to remain on alert, according to Telemundo.
Maritime and wave conditions in the Caribbean
In addition to strong winds and rain, Rafael has generated significant waves in the western Caribbean. According to the NHC, the storm surge generated by the storm will spread across much of the region over the next few days, affecting the coasts of Jamaica, Cuba and the Cayman Islands. These waves and ocean currents pose high risks to residents and vessels, which is why maritime authorities have recommended avoiding activities at sea until the system leaves the region.
The NHC highlighted that the waves in the area could reach up to 2.7 meters in some areas, especially on the coast of Pinar del Río, in Cuba. Additionally, authorities have warned that storm surge could pose a significant danger to coastal areas of the western Caribbean, according to Fox Weather.
Forecasting and continuous monitoring
The evolution of Rafael continues to be monitored by the NHC and other meteorological organizations. The uncertainty surrounding its possible impact on the US Gulf Coast has raised concerns in areas vulnerable to hurricanes, according to NHC warnings. Specialists have indicated that Rafael could intensify at any time, and although the area of impact on the Gulf coast cannot yet be determined exactly, authorities continue with recommendations for residents in the area.
According to the NHC, it is crucial that residents of coastal areas of Florida and other Gulf states monitor weather reports and follow the guidance of local authorities. As Rafael approaches the northern Gulf Coast, the NHC will update its forecast to report on possible changes to its track and the risks the storm poses to the region.
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