On Sunday evening at 6 PM, Cuba's Civil Defense declared an advisory phase for the provinces stretching from Camagüey to Pinar del Río, which also includes the special municipality of Isla de la Juventud. This decision follows the organization of a low-pressure area in the southwestern Caribbean Sea, as reported by state authorities.
The provinces of Camagüey, Ciego de Ávila, Sancti Spiritus, Cienfuegos, Villa Clara, Matanzas, Mayabeque, Havana, Artemisa, Pinar del Río, and Isla de la Juventud have been placed under this advisory due to the increased probability of a tropical cyclone forming within the next 12 to 24 hours, according to the Civil Defense's headquarters.
Eastern Cuba Remains on High Alert
In the eastern region of Cuba, cloudiness and rain persist, influenced by an extended trough from the Atlantic Ocean. As a result, provinces in this area are urged to heighten their hydrometeorological monitoring efforts. Residents are advised to stay informed through updates from the Institute of Meteorology and Civil Defense, and to strictly follow any directives issued by local authorities.
Earlier, the U.S. National Hurricane Center issued a tropical storm warning for Jamaica. However, it highlighted the importance for Cuba and the Florida Keys to closely monitor the cyclone's development. On Saturday, Cuba's Civil Defense had already initiated the Advisory Phase across the eastern region due to heavy rainfall.
Preparedness Measures in Eastern Provinces
The advisory phase was enacted at 10 AM for the provinces of Guantánamo, Santiago de Cuba, Holguín, Granma, and Las Tunas. A large-scale evacuation began at 2 PM, with instructions for families to secure essentials such as children's milk and elderly medication, and to move valuables to higher areas within their homes.