On Monday, torrential rains battered western Cuba, leading to significant flooding in various areas, including parts of the provinces of Havana and Pinar del Río, according to initial reports. The Center for Forecasting at the Institute of Meteorology (Insmet) announced at midday that moderate to heavy rainstorms were approaching the northern part of the western region.
"Current radar images from La Bajada in Pinar del Río capture a line of prefrontal storms with moderate to heavy rainfall activity moving across the west in the coming hours," the meteorological report warned. It further noted that wind strength could increase in areas experiencing thunderstorms.
Meteorologist Raydel Ruisánchez explained on social media that a prefrontal trough is stretching over the western region, resulting in showers, rain, and some thunderstorms. "Strong activity has been identified in Pinar del Río, Artemisa, and Havana. We have reports of intense rainfall in the capital, with some areas already flooded," he stated.
Photos and videos shared on social media platforms reveal flooding in Vedado, Marianao, Boyeros, Centro Habana, and Cerro in Havana, as well as in the Los Palacios municipality and the city of Pinar del Río in the namesake province.
The Insmet clarified that meteorological satellite images show abundant cloud cover over the southeastern waters of the Gulf of Mexico, linked with a new cold front and an advancing prefrontal trough. These systems are expected to move east and southeast, reaching western Cuba by the afternoon and evening, increasing cloud cover, rainfall, and thunderstorms, according to the weather forecast.
The Civil Defense issued an Early Alert Notice on Monday morning due to the approach of a cold front that is anticipated to bring heavy rains and thunderstorms to western and central Cuba over the next 24 to 48 hours.
The Institute of Meteorology's Forecasting Center confirmed that the weather change would affect the region starting Monday afternoon and continue until early Tuesday morning.
Impact of Severe Weather on Western Cuba
What areas in Cuba are affected by the flooding?
Flooding has impacted several areas, including parts of Havana and Pinar del Río, with specific locations like Vedado, Marianao, Boyeros, Centro Habana, Cerro, Los Palacios, and the city of Pinar del Río experiencing significant water accumulation.
What is causing the severe weather in western Cuba?
The severe weather is primarily due to a prefrontal trough and a new cold front moving over the region, bringing moderate to heavy rainfall and thunderstorms.
How long is the adverse weather expected to last?
The weather change is expected to affect western and central Cuba from Monday afternoon through early Tuesday morning, with the potential for extended impacts over the next 24 to 48 hours.