Heavy rains and strong winds from Tropical Storm Helene are already impacting western Cuba, and they are expected to intensify in the coming hours, potentially extending to central regions, according to the latest Tropical Cyclone Advisory from the Institute of Meteorology (INSMET).
The intense precipitation has led to minor flooding in several areas, particularly along the southern coast. In Cabo de San Antonio, the westernmost tip of the country, waves reaching between three and five meters have been recorded. Local media in Pinar del Río have shared images showing the power of the sea in Boca de Galafre, San Juan y Martínez municipality, where there have been reports of sea surges and minor flooding, along with sustained winds of 40 km/h and gusts up to 68 km/h.
From 8 PM last night to 5 AM today, the highest rainfall accumulations at the national level were reported in Punta del Este, Isla de la Juventud with 101 millimeters; Paso Real de San Diego with 78 millimeters, Pinar del Río with 72 millimeters, and Isabel Rubio with 70 millimeters, all within the province of Pinar del Río.
Roads Cut Off by Floodwaters
In some areas of Pinar del Río, such as El Palenque, roadways have been rendered impassable due to flooding. Of the province's 24 reservoirs, 17 are currently overflowing, and overall, they are at 93 percent capacity. However, according to the Temporary Working Group's afternoon session on Tuesday, Pinar del Río's reservoirs can still accommodate over 95 million cubic meters of water.
According to official data, the Hydraulic Resources rain gauge network recorded significant 20-hour rainfall accumulations of 218.4 millimeters in Presa Herradura; 186.8 millimeters in Los Palacios; 167 millimeters in La Juventud, and 151.3 millimeters in Sitio Peña. Images from Cortés and Ciudad Sandino show flooding resulting from the recent heavy rains.
Weather Conditions Expected to Persist
The Institute of Meteorology's Forecasting Center has indicated that the rains will persist in the western and central regions of Cuba, becoming heavy and intense in some areas, and could last until Thursday. Tropical storm-force winds are anticipated in Isla de la Juventud and Pinar del Río, with speeds between 55 and 70 kilometers per hour, possibly extending to Artemisa province by morning.
In the far western part of Cuba, wind strength is expected to increase starting early Wednesday. Other western provinces will experience wind speeds between 40 and 55 kilometers per hour, with higher gusts. The southern coast from Pinar del Río to Sancti Spíritus will see sea swells, reaching strong levels south of Isla de la Juventud and the Canarreos Archipelago, with light to moderate coastal flooding in the southwestern coast.
On Wednesday, Tropical Storm Helene intensified to a Category 1 hurricane, rapidly gaining strength in the Caribbean Sea while moving toward Florida's northwest coast, prompting school closures and evacuations due to the threat of heavy rains and storm surges. Helene now boasts maximum sustained winds of 130 km/h and is moving north-northwest at 17 km/h, indicating a slight increase in its forward speed.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has warned that Helene will be an unusually large storm, with rain, surges, and winds affecting areas far from its center. States such as Tennessee, Kentucky, and Indiana could experience heavy downpours. Helene is the eighth named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, which began on June 1.