Tropical Storm Rafael has intensified into a Category 1 hurricane, moving towards Cuba amidst ongoing recovery efforts from a previous hurricane that caused fatalities. Located near the Cayman Islands with sustained winds of 75 mph, the storm poses a significant threat to the region.
On Tuesday, Tropical Storm Rafael transitioned into a Category 1 hurricane as it made its way past the Cayman Islands and headed towards western Cuba. This development presents further challenges for Cuba, which is already grappling with power outages while attempting to recover from a recent hurricane that resulted in the loss of at least six lives in the eastern region of the island. At the time, the storm was recorded approximately 20 miles southeast of Little Cayman, exhibiting sustained winds of 75 miles per hour and advancing northwest at 15 miles per hour, according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami.
Hurricanes are classified based on their wind speeds, with the Saffir-Simpson scale categorizing storms from Category 1 to Category 5. Tropical Storm Rafael’s upgrade to a Category 1 hurricane illustrates its intensifying strength as it approaches land. Cuba has faced significant challenges from recent weather events, including a previous hurricane that caused substantial damage and fatalities, complicating recovery efforts and straining infrastructure.
In summary, the strengthening of Tropical Storm Rafael into a Category 1 hurricane poses an imminent threat to western Cuba, which is still recovering from prior damage. Authorities continue to monitor the storm’s trajectory and intensifying winds as preparations are likely to be implemented to mitigate potential impacts. The situation underscores the ongoing challenges faced by the island amidst adverse weather conditions and infrastructure strain.
Original Source: www.santafenewmexican.com
