Hurricane Rafael has rapidly intensified into a major hurricane as it closes in on western Cuba, prompting warnings for life-threatening storm surge, damaging winds, and flash flooding.
Rafael is now a Category 3 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 115 mph. The storm is located approximately 40 miles northeast of the Isle of Youth and 85 miles south of Havana, Cuba. It is moving northwestward at 14 mph.
Hurricane conditions are expected in western Cuba and the Isle of Youth through this evening. A hurricane warning is in effect for these areas, with the potential for:
- Life-threatening storm surge: Storm surge could raise water levels by as much as 9 to 14 feet above normal tide levels in areas of onshore winds along the southern coast of Cuba, including the Isle of Youth.
- Damaging hurricane-force winds: Sustained winds of 115 mph with higher gusts are possible.
- Flash flooding: Heavy rainfall totals of 4 to 8 inches, with isolated amounts up to 12 inches, are expected, leading to flash flooding and mudslides.
READ: Disaster Recovery Center Opens In Tampa for Hurricane-Impacted Residents
Other Impacts:
- Cayman Islands: Rafael is expected to bring heavy rainfall to the Cayman Islands.
- Florida Keys: Tropical storm conditions are expected in the Lower and Middle Florida Keys today and tonight, with rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches. A couple of tornadoes are also possible.
- Gulf Coast: Rafael is forecast to move into the southeastern Gulf of Mexico tonight and could potentially impact the northern Gulf Coast later this week.
Watches and Warnings:
- Hurricane Warning: Cuban provinces of Pinar del Rio, Artemisa, La Habana, Mayabeque, Matanzas, and the Isle of Youth.
- Tropical Storm Warning: Cuban provinces of Villa Clara and Cienfuegos, Lower and Middle Florida Keys, Dry Tortugas.
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