SLP, Mexico.- Meteorologist José Rubiera urged the Cuban population to pay special attention to the development of the tropical storm Raphael in the next few hours because it could have consequences if it enters Cuban territory as a category two hurricane.
In a report On his YouTube channel, the Cuban meteorologist warned that the feeding bands that are forming are “well consistent” and that Rafael is gaining structure quickly. This could intensify when the phenomenon enters the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea.
Rubiera clarified that the anticyclone could retreat a little or penetrate a little further into the Gulf of Mexico, but the cone of possible trajectories shows that they all cross over Pinar del Río.
The temperatures of the Caribbean Sea, the excess humidity at low levels and the presence of weak winds in the upper atmosphere, can influence a rapid intensification of Rafael.
Another Cuban meteorologist explained to CubaNeton condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals, that at 4:00 p.m. Rafael has strengthened and has maximum sustained winds of 110 km/h, and although it is still a tropical storm, it is very close to becoming a hurricane.
According to the expert, heavy rains are expected to prevail from Wednesday to Thursday. The accumulated would be over 150, 200 millimeters.
The provinces that remain in the right half of Rafael’s band – Artemisa, Havana, Mayabeque, Matanzas – will receive the greatest impact of the rains.
Rafael is expected to make landfall in Cuba around noon this Wednesday. At 1:00 pm. It would be in the Gulf of Batabanó, very close to touching the southern coast of the province of Artemisa.
The US National Hurricane Center reported that the weather event was 190 km west-northwest of Montego Bay, Jamaica.
In Cuba, a hurricane warning was issued for Pinar del Río, Artemisa, Havana, Mayabeque, Matanzas and Isla de la Juventud.
A tropical storm warning is in effect for Villa Clara, Cienfuegos, Sancti Spiritus and Ciego de Ávila and a tropical watch was declared for Camagüey and Las Tunas.
“In the next 12 to 24 hours, this system will continue moving with a similar course and speed, approaching the vicinity of Jamaica,” INSMET indicated in its statement. Tropical Cyclone Warning No.4. “During its movement it will continue to gain in organization and intensity and could reach the category of hurricane near the Cayman Islands.”
Rains, showers and thunderstorms may be felt in the eastern and central regions; rainfall may be strong and intense in some locations and will later extend to western Cuba.
