Tropical Storm Debby unleashed heavy rains across western Cuba on Saturday night. In Havana, reports from state journalist Lázaro Manuel Alonso indicated light but continuous rainfall in various municipalities. In Cerro, the rain was more intense, according to Alonso's Facebook updates.
Several videos and images shared by Alonso showed wet and deserted streets in the Cuban capital. Meanwhile, strong rains also impacted the province of Artemisa.
Heavy Rainfall Reported in Artemisa
"In the last 24 hours, significant rainfall has been reported in the province, classifying as locally intense," stated meteorologist Raydel Ruisanchez. He added that these areas experienced strong winds, with a 57 km/h gust from the south recorded at the meteorological station in Güira de Melena.
According to the National Institute of Hydraulic Resources' network of rain gauges and meteorological stations in the province, the highest rainfall accumulations were recorded at:
Acueducto Maurín, Bauta: 265.0 mm
Bauta Meteorological Station: 187.0 mm
Güira de Melena Meteorological Station: 171.8 mm
La Coronela Reservoir, Caimito: 156.0 mm
Baracoa Reservoir, Bauta: 119.0 mm
Pinillo Reservoir, Mariel: 117.0 mm
Alquízar Aqueduct: 110.0 mm
Ruisanchez indicated that rains are expected to continue throughout today and could be locally heavy again, with a forecasted decrease by Monday as the system moves northward.
Debby became a tropical storm on Saturday afternoon, posing a significant threat of torrential rains and coastal flooding to much of Florida.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported that the system intensified into a tropical storm in its sixth advisory. In its ninth advisory, released on Sunday, the NHC indicated that Debby is likely to strengthen rapidly before making landfall in Florida's Big Bend region, predicting significant flooding threats for the southern United States.
Impact of Tropical Storm Debby on Cuba and Florida
Below are some frequently asked questions regarding the impact and trajectory of Tropical Storm Debby in Cuba and Florida.
How much rainfall did Tropical Storm Debby bring to Havana?
The rainfall in Havana was light but continuous in various municipalities, with more intense rain reported in the Cerro area.
Which areas in Artemisa experienced the highest rainfall?
The highest rainfall accumulations were recorded at Acueducto Maurín in Bauta with 265.0 mm, followed by the Bauta Meteorological Station with 187.0 mm, and the Güira de Melena Meteorological Station with 171.8 mm.
What is the forecast for Tropical Storm Debby as it moves towards Florida?
The NHC predicts that Debby will rapidly strengthen before making landfall in Florida's Big Bend region, with significant flooding threats expected in the southern United States.