Severe Weather Alert: Tropical Storm Rafael Approaches the Caribbean

Severe Weather Alert: Tropical Storm Rafael Approaches the Caribbean

Monday, November 4, 2024

In the charming city of Kingston, excitement is in the air, but it’s not the good kind – Tropical Storm Rafael has officially made its presence known, and it’s heading north-northwest at a steady pace of 12 mph. As of 10 p.m. ET tonight, the storm was situated about 120 miles south-southwest of Kingston and 335 miles southeast of Grand Cayman. With maximum sustained winds clocking in at 45 mph, this tropical storm is grabbing attention across the Caribbean.

Just yesterday at 4 p.m., the National Hurricane Center started the ball rolling by issuing the first advisory for Rafael as a potential tropical cyclone, leading to a tropical storm watch being placed on the Cayman Islands. Unfortunately, things took a serious turn today as the storm was upgraded to a full-fledged tropical storm.

Cuba Takes Precautionary Measures

In light of Rafael’s development, the Cuban government has stepped into action, upgrading its advisory measures. All provinces previously under a Hurricane Watch now have a Hurricane Warning in effect, while a Tropical Storm Warning has been declared for the provinces of Villa Clara, Cienfuegos, Sancti Spiritus, and Ciego de Avila.

Current Advisories

Here’s a quick rundown of the current watches and warnings:

• Hurricane Warning: Cayman Islands, Cuban provinces of Pinar del Río, Artemisa, La Habana, Mayabeque, Matanzas, and the Isle of Youth.
• Tropical Storm Warning: Jamaica, the Cuban provinces of Villa Clara, Cienfuegos, Sancti Spiritus, and Ciego de Avila.
• Tropical Storm Watch: Cuban provinces of Camagüey and Las Tunas, and the Lower and Middle Florida Keys from Key West to west of the Channel 5 Bridge, as well as the Dry Tortugas.

A Hurricane Warning means that hurricane conditions are expected in some areas within the warning, typically 36 hours before tropical-storm-force winds are felt, making it critical for residents to wrap up their preparations. Meanwhile, a Tropical Storm Warning signals that conditions will be expected in the warning area, while a Tropical Storm Watch suggests that storm conditions are possible in the coming days.

Tropical Storm Rafael’s Impact

According to forecasters, the main hazards accompanying Rafael will include fierce winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges affecting coastal areas. Currently, hurricane conditions are anticipated in the Cayman Islands on Tuesday and for western Cuba, including the Isle of Youth, on Wednesday. Furthermore, tropical storm conditions are expected in Jamaica tonight, followed by impacts on parts of western Cuba, with some regions potentially feeling the effects as early as Tuesday morning.

Rainfall is expected to be another significant concern, particularly for areas in the Western Caribbean. It’s estimated that places in Jamaica and parts of Cuba might see heavy downpours, with total rainfall ranging from 3 to 6 inches, and locally as much as 9 inches. Flooding and mudslides could pose a risk for many residents.

Coastal Warnings

Along with the heavy rains, there’s a chance for minor coastal flooding in Jamaica tonight. The Cayman Islands could experience storm surges raising water levels by 1 to 3 feet above normal tide levels on Tuesday, while southern Cuba could see even higher surges of up to 6 to 9 feet.

For those near the coast, it’s crucial to stay informed and to have emergency plans in place. The combination of storm surge and tidal actions can lead to flooding in areas that are normally dry.

As the storm makes its way through the Caribbean, it’s not just a concern for the islands; forecast models indicate that heavy rain will even spread northward into Florida and nearby southeastern U.S. areas later in the week.

It’s important for everyone in the affected regions to keep an eye on updates from local weather services and take the necessary precautions. Stay safe out there, Kingston and beyond!