Cuba Reeling From Hurricane Rafael, Gulf Of Mexico Next?

Another Hurricane, this one a CAT 3 named Rafael, hit Cuba this week and it’s expected to continue west into the Gulf of Mexico then turn south! This brings the hurricane tally to 11 for the Atlantic season which ends with November.
On Wednesday evening large waves hammered Havana’s coast while heavy rain and winds knocked the entire island's grid. The National Hurricane Center said the system was downgraded from a CAT 3 to a CAT 2 as the storm moved through Cuba.

The storm is expected to continue west and lose power as it downgrades from a hurricane to a tropical storm before impacting Mexico or Latin America. Residents in the Florida Keys are being asked to watch out for rip currents and possible coastal flooding as the system is close enough to cause issues but is moving away to the west.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted the 2024 hurricane season was likely to be well above average with between 17 and 25 named storms. The forecast called for eight to as many as 13 hurricanes and four being major hurricanes.

Currently, the season is holding at 17 named storms, 11 hurricanes with 10 making landfall, and 5 major hurricanes. There is however another disturbance northeast of the Leeward Islands which is bringing heavy rain to parts of the Caribbean. The National Hurricane Center said some gradual development is possible
toward the end of the week and into the weekend.

If the disturbance turns into a tropical storm as some models suggest, it will become a named storm - Sara. If you have power needs in Florida, Texas or the Gulf states, give us a call. Call (866) 518-1240 for more info and we will connect you with the correct team. Generator Source also offers worldwide sales of industrial generators.  

Story Summary

What category was Hurricane Rafael when it hit Cuba?
Hurricane Rafael made landfall in Cuba as a Category 3 hurricane with winds of 115 mph.

Where is Hurricane Rafael now?
As of the latest update, Hurricane Rafael was located about 195 miles west of Key West, Florida, moving northwest at 9 mph with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph.

What is the projected path for Hurricane Rafael?
Rafael is expected to weaken as it moves into the Gulf of Mexico. It's forecasted to drift westward, potentially affecting the western Gulf of Mexico this weekend into early next week.

Will Hurricane Rafael impact the U.S. Gulf Coast?
The Gulf Coast is anticipated to experience minimal effects from Rafael, though there remains a risk of rip currents and minor coastal flooding.

How did Hurricane Rafael affect Cuba?
Rafael caused widespread power outages across Cuba, leaving approximately 10 million residents without electricity. The storm also brought strong winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surge to the island.

What areas of Cuba were most affected?
Western Cuba, particularly the Artemisa province, experienced hurricane conditions and life-threatening storm surge.

How many named storms have there been in the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season?
The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season has seen 17 named storms so far.

How many hurricanes have there been this season?
There have been 11 hurricanes this season, with 10 making landfall. Five major events.

How does this compare to the forecast for the season?
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted between 17 to 25 named storms, including up to 13 hurricanes. The current tally of 17 named storms and 11 hurricanes falls within this forecast range.

When does the hurricane season end?
The Atlantic hurricane season officially ends on Nov. 30.

What precautions should residents in potentially affected areas take?
Residents in areas that may be impacted should stay informed about the storm's progress, follow local authorities' instructions, and be prepared for potential flooding, power outages, and strong winds.

Are there any current watches or warnings in effect?
As of the latest update, all coastal watches and warnings related to Hurricane Rafael have been discontinued.