On Wednesday evening, around 7:00 p.m., Hurricane Rafael departed from Cuba, downgrading to a Category 2 storm as it moved through the Bay of Cabañas in Artemisa. Despite its exit, heavy rain and strong winds continue to lash the western regions of the island.
The Cuban government announced on Facebook that the eye of Hurricane Rafael had left the island. However, persistent adverse weather conditions remain in the western part of Cuba.
Meanwhile, the U.S. National Hurricane Center stated that the hurricane's eye is now heading southeast into the Gulf of Mexico. "Life-threatening storm surges, destructive hurricane-force winds, and sudden flooding are expected in parts of western Cuba," the agency warned.
The NHC noted that a hurricane warning remains in effect for the Cuban provinces of Pinar del Río, Artemisa, Havana, Mayabeque, Matanzas, and the Isle of Youth, with a tropical storm warning issued for Villa Clara and Cienfuegos.
Impact on Florida Keys Anticipated
Currently, hurricane conditions are anticipated in the Florida Keys, extending from Key West. Earlier, Hurricane Rafael made landfall in Playa Majana, south of Artemisa, as a Category 3 storm, later weakening to 175 km/h winds, equivalent to Category 2.
Assessing the Aftermath in Cuba
Cuban authorities are now beginning to assess the damage, with reports indicating that several towns have been cut off, particularly in Villa Clara. The full extent of the storm's impact remains to be seen as the recovery efforts get underway.