The Cuban Aviation Corporation has announced the cessation of air services at the international airports in Santa Clara and Cienfuegos as Hurricane Rafael approaches. This decision, shared on Facebook by the corporation, takes effect from noon this Wednesday and will remain in place until noon on Thursday, November 7th.
Affected airlines are making the necessary adjustments to ensure the safety and protection of their passengers, as per the official statement. On Tuesday, the Cuban Aviation Corporation had already communicated the suspension of operations at several airports across the nation due to the severe weather conditions caused by Hurricane Rafael.
The suspension also includes the airports in Gerona, Cayo Largo del Sur, Havana, and Varadero. These measures are effective from midnight on Tuesday, November 5th, extending until noon on Thursday, November 7th, as mentioned by Transport Minister Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila on Facebook.
Cuban Television has provided live updates on the progress of the formidable Hurricane Rafael, which has now reached Category 3 on the Saffir-Simpson scale and is nearing landfall in western Cuba. During the national news broadcast at noon, meteorologist José Rubiera offered insights into the hurricane's development and path, highlighting the significant risks involved.
"There will be strong and intense rains as the hurricane moves northwest towards Pinar del Río," stated Dr. Rubiera in a live segment, shortly before the hurricane upgraded to Category 3.