Hurricane Rafael has emerged as a formidable force, crossing the Gulf of Mexico as the first major hurricane of November in nearly four decades. This unusual timing for a hurricane brings heightened concerns over the safety and welfare of residents along the southern United States coastline. As the storm advances, forecasters warn of dangerous surf and treacherous rip currents that could affect boaters and beachgoers alike. Rafael has already made a considerable impact on Cuba, where millions continue to endure power outages following the storm’s destruction.
As of early Friday morning, Rafael was positioned approximately 585 miles east of the Rio Grande, exhibiting sustained winds of 120 miles per hour—categorizing it as a Category 3 hurricane. The National Hurricane Center noted its westward movement at a speed of 9 mph. Significantly, Rafael has now been cataloged alongside Hurricane Kate from 1985, both vying for the title of the strongest storms recorded in the Gulf during November. While forecasts predict a decrease in intensity over the weekend, the storm’s reach could still extend tropical storm-force winds—between 39 and 73 mph—over vast distances, potentially affecting regions beyond its center.
The impact on Cuba has been devastating. President Miguel Díaz-Canel ascertained the situation firsthand, surveying areas devastated by winds that topped 115 mph, which led to the destruction of key electricity infrastructure. The state-run operator, UNE, reported a total collapse of the power network, plunging the entire nation—consisting of roughly 10 million citizens—into darkness for the second time in a month. This scenario highlights the fragility of Cuba’s energy grid and underscores the vulnerabilities faced by densely populated urban areas, such as the capital city of Havana.
In the wake of such calamities, a strong sense of community has emerged among Cubans. Reports indicate that approximately 283,000 individuals have been evacuated, including a significant number from Havana, where many live in aging infrastructures ill-equipped to withstand severe weather conditions. In a display of solidarity, local hotels equipped with generators have opened their doors to neighbors, offering access to power for charging essential devices. This gesture illustrates the collective determination to support one another in dire times.
Rafael marks the 17th named storm of the ongoing hurricane season and is notable for being only the sixth recorded hurricane in November within the Gulf of Mexico. As its legacy unfolds, the storm serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of climate phenomena and the pressing need for greater preparedness in the face of rising threats. As communities along the Gulf braced for Rafael’s impacts, questions linger about infrastructure resilience and recovery efforts in the aftermath of such storms.