Despite the fact that Hurricane Rafael has yet to make landfall in Cuba, its presence is already being felt in Havana, where initial heavy rains and strong winds have been reported. The state-run Cuban News Agency posted a video on its X account, capturing the scene on the bustling 23rd Street in El Vedado.
Another video highlights the area around Zapata Street in El Vedado, home to the Colón Cemetery. By 2:02 PM, the intensity of the hurricane's winds had increased, bringing rain to the central-southern parts of the city.
The looming proximity of Hurricane Rafael is also affecting other regions in western Cuba, notably the Isla de la Juventud, Cayo Largo del Sur, and the southern part of Matanzas province.