A powerful weather system - tropical storm Rafael moves north bringing more trouble to already-affected Cuba. The storm (which formed near Jamaica) shows quick build-up with winds reaching 45-mph
The Miami-based weather center expects Rafael to get much-stronger by mid-week: winds could hit 100-mph when it reaches western Cuba. The storm brings extra risks to Cayman Islands where big waves and storm-surge are expected
Natacha Velazquez who lives near the ocean in Baracoa describes local preparations:
We are working together among neighbors taking in those who live in poorly-built homes‚ but we are also worried for our lives
The timing is really bad - Cuba hasnt fixed its power grid after a total black-out about two weeks ago. Many people still dont have stable electricity and face daily outages. Hurricane Oscar hit around the same time making things worse in a country that lacks food fuel and medicine
Local authorities took quick action in different areas:
- More than 66000 people moved from flood-risk zones in Guantanamo
- Plans started to move thousands from Pinar del Rio
- Some provinces stopped school classes
- Bus and train services partly cancelled
The stormʼs path after Cuba isnt clear yet but it might move towards US through Gulf of Mexico. Right now its about 175 miles south of Kingston with steady winds at 45-mph. Officials gave out emergency phone numbers so people can track the storm even with power issues