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Category 3 hurricane -

Hurricane Rafael raged into Cuba as a Category 3 hurricane, prior to beginning to lose some power as it passed through the Gulf of Mexico. Winds, rain, and other difficult conditions are set to continue diminishing.

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Power grid crashes -

Marking the fifth major hurricane in 2024 alone, Hurricane Rafael caused Cuba's power grid to collapse, leaving tens of thousands in the dark.

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Rafael on the heels of Oscar -

Hurricane Rafael comes just weeks after Hurricane Oscar passed through Cuba and the Cayman Islands, causing the first power grid knockout in Cuba.

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Frustration builds -

Frustration builds while citizens, once again, await the return of power. The last incident provoked protests on the island, in which citizens banged on pots, chanting, "Turn on the lights."

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Effects of trade embargo -

One of the major challenges Cuba continues to face are the effects of the trade embargo, which impacts the ability for the country to have sufficient resources to recover from power outages, and to adequately respond to other challenges that may arise in periods of disaster. 

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Darkness -

Hurricane Rafael left Cuba in darkness after huge waves crashed on Havana's shores.

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Worries of destruction -

Media outlets warned of Rafael's dangers, specifically the risk of high winds and flash floods to western parts of the island.

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Decreasing to a Category 2 -

The storm, 55 miles (90 kilometers) west-northwest of Havana, made its way across the island, eventually decreasing to a Category 2 hurricane.

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Residents fear -

According to an AP News report, Silvia Pérez, a 72-year-old retiree and Havana resident, expressed her fears: "This is a night I don't want to sleep through, between the battering air and the trees. I'm scared for my friends and family."

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Advisory issued to citizens -

The Cuban government issued an alert for the incoming storm, advising its citizens to take shelter. Public workers attempted to fortify buildings in anticipation of prospective flooding.

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Fallen trees -

Pictured: fallen trees after the landfall of Hurricane Rafael in Pueblo Candelaria, west of Havana.

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Life is suspended -

Schools and transportation were suspended on the island, including flights.

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Hurricane warning issued -

A hurricane warning was issued for the provinces of Pinar del Rio, Artemisa, La Habana, Mayabeque, Matanzas, and the Isle of Youth. A tropical storm warning has also been issued for the Florida Keys.

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Jamaica and the Cayman Islands -

Hurricane Rafael made its way to Cuba after unleashing floods in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, also resulting in power outages throughout the islands.

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Emptied streets -

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Climate change -

Due to climate change, increased ocean temperatures are causing more frequent storms.

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Marks ninth storm -

Hurricane Rafael marks the ninth storm to quickly gain traction in the Atlantic Basin just in 2014 alone.

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Uncertainty -

There is some uncertainty regarding which direction the storm will travel, an issue which continues to be monitored.

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Over 70,000 evacuated -

Over 70,000 people were evacuated from particularly high-risk areas before the storm arrived.

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Less severe than other hurricanes -

Forecasters do not expect the storms to be as severe as Helene and Milton.

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Florida to receive the next wave -

Forecasters also warn that tropical storm conditions will likely hit the Florida Keys by November 7.

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Heavy rainfall expected -

Heavy rainfall is expected into Florida and other areas in the southeast US.

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Warnings of possible flooding -

The Hurricane Center suggests rain in Florida could reach up to three feet (nearly one meter).

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Tornado warnings -

Warnings regarding possible tornadoes in southwestern Florida have also been issued.

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US travel advisory -

The US State Department issued a travel advisory for Cuba, offering departure flights for American citizens.

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Rafael 17th named storm -

Hurricane Rafael marks the 17th named storm of the season.

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Predictions for storm season -

Predictions from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration show frightening prospects of an above average storm season.

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Atlantic storm season -

A typical Atlantic hurricane season may result in 14 named storms.

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More potential storms -

Two more potential tropical storms threaten to rage on in the Atlantic Basin.

Sources: (BBC) (CNN) (NPR) (CBS News) (AP News) (Reuters)

See also: The world's most devastating tropical storms

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