Hurricane Rafael, a Category 3 storm, caused significant damage in Cuba after making landfall and subsequently weakened to a Category 2 hurricane. It resulted in power outages, the collapse of numerous homes, and extensive debris in the streets. The hurricane is moving into the Gulf of Mexico with dangerous surf conditions expected, though no active warnings are in place.
Hurricane Rafael, a formidable Category 3 storm, made landfall in Cuba on Wednesday, subsequently causing severe damage and disruption as it moved into the Gulf of Mexico. The hurricane resulted in extensive power outages across the country, knocking out the electric grid and damaging hundreds of residences. As of Friday, Rafael had weakened to a Category 2 hurricane, with maximum sustained winds recorded at 110 mph (175 kph). The storm is anticipated to drift westward towards Mexico, bringing with it dangerous surf conditions despite no active hurricane warnings. Earlier in its trajectory, the hurricane wreaked havoc in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, leading to power failures and mudslides. In Cuba, the storm necessitated the evacuation of around 283,000 individuals and left significant debris, including downed trees and power lines, littering the streets. Despite efforts to restore electricity, many residents remain without power following the devastation inflicted by the hurricane.
The Caribbean region is particularly susceptible to hurricanes, and Hurricane Rafael exemplifies the destructive potential of such storms. As this hurricane swirled through the Gulf of Mexico, it followed a path that had already seen significant damage earlier in the week from its passage through Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. The timing of this storm coincided with an energy crisis in Cuba, which had already been experiencing widespread blackouts prior to Rafael’s arrival.
In summary, Hurricane Rafael has left a trail of destruction across the Caribbean, particularly impacting Cuba with its high winds and power outages. The aftermath of this storm has resulted in significant challenges for the affected communities, including large-scale evacuations and ongoing recovery efforts. As Rafael weakens and moves into the Gulf of Mexico, the focus will shift to assessing the full extent of the damage and facilitating restoration of services for those affected by this catastrophic event.
Original Source: apnews.com
