Cuban State Television has provided updated information on the threatening advance of Hurricane Rafael, which has now escalated to a Category 3 on the Saffir-Simpson scale and is nearing landfall in western Cuba.
The midday broadcast of the national news presented a report on the hurricane's development and path. The renowned Cuban meteorologist, José Rubiera, participated in the segment to highlight the major threats posed by the storm. "Heavy, intense rains are expected as the hurricane moves northwest towards Pinar del Río," Dr. Rubiera stated in a live connection with the news, just before Rafael reached Category 3 status.
Although retired, Rubiera is often consulted by specialists from the Institute of Meteorology (INSMET) and official media outlets during weather emergencies. He cautioned that Rafael's trajectory is more westerly than previously anticipated, crossing the eastern part of Pinar del Río province, based on the latest trajectory models.
Severe Weather Conditions Expected
Rubiera warned of hurricane-force winds, storm surges, coastal flooding, and sea level rise—known as storm surge—that will accompany the storm. Meteorologist Elier Pila emphasized that Rafael is extremely dangerous, with maximum sustained winds of 115 mph (185 km/h). The hurricane's center is projected to enter Cuban land between the provinces of Artemisa and Pinar del Río.
The storm's tropical storm-force winds extend from the westernmost part of Pinar del Río to Matanzas. In Havana, wind speeds could range between 56 and 74 mph (90 and 119 km/h). Furthermore, the sea level is expected to rise significantly along the southern coasts of Artemisa and Pinar del Río, with forecasts predicting a rise of about four meters above average sea level.
This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.