Hurricane Rafael Pummels Cuba, Eyes the Gulf
Hurricane Rafael, packing winds of 100 mph, slammed into Cuba's central coast on Tuesday, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The storm, which had been upgraded to a Category 2 hurricane just hours before landfall, brought heavy rain, powerful gusts, and dangerous storm surge. While Rafael weakened to a tropical storm shortly after making landfall, it still caused significant damage and knocked out power for thousands.
A Powerful Punch:
The hurricane's impact was felt across the island nation, with reports of downed trees, flooded streets, and damaged infrastructure. Thankfully, authorities had issued timely warnings and evacuated coastal areas, preventing any major loss of life.
Rafael's journey, however, is far from over. After leaving Cuba, the storm is now headed for the Gulf of Mexico, where it's expected to regain strength. Forecasters predict the storm could potentially strengthen into a hurricane again before making landfall along the US Gulf Coast later this week.
A Worrying Outlook:
The threat of Rafael has put communities along the Gulf Coast on high alert. Officials are urging residents to prepare for the potential impact of the storm, which could bring heavy rain, flooding, and dangerous winds.
With Rafael's path still uncertain, it's a tense wait for residents in the storm's projected path. They are anxiously watching weather updates, hoping for the best but preparing for the worst. The storm's exact trajectory and intensity remain unknown, but one thing is certain: Rafael's journey isn't over yet.