Tropical Storm Rafael Strengthens to Category 1 Hurricane Approaching Cuba
Tropical Storm Rafael has strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane as it approaches western Cuba, presenting additional challenges for the island recovering from recent storm-related damage and ongoing blackouts.
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Tropical Storm Rafael has intensified into a Category 1 hurricane, moving past the Cayman Islands and heading towards western Cuba. This development presents further challenges for Cuba, which is currently grappling with ongoing power outages while still recovering from a prior hurricane that resulted in at least six fatalities in the eastern region of the island. As per the National Hurricane Center in Miami, Rafael was situated approximately 20 miles southeast of Little Cayman, boasting maximum sustained winds of 75 mph and propelling northwest at a speed of 15 mph.
A tropical storm becomes classified as a hurricane when its maximum sustained winds reach 74 miles per hour. The ongoing threat posed by Tropical Storm Rafael comes at a difficult time for Cuba, which is still in recovery mode from another hurricane that caused significant damage two weeks ago. The combination of adverse weather conditions and existing power challenges exacerbates the situation for the Cuban populace, leading to concerns about safety and preparedness.
In conclusion, the development of Tropical Storm Rafael into a Category 1 hurricane poses significant risks as it approaches Cuba, further compounding the hardships faced by those recovering from a previous storm. With maximum sustained winds at 75 mph, Rafael’s trajectory could result in further complications for a country already dealing with power outages and storm damage.
Original Source: www.santafenewmexican.com
