Cuba loses power as Hurricane Rafael makes landfall as Category 3 storm

A Category 3 hurricane knocked out power in Cuba on Wednesday afternoon, making landfall approximately 40 miles southwest of Havana.

The hurricane, dubbed Hurricane Rafael, is the fifth to make landfall in the Atlantic Ocean this year. The hurricane comes toward the tail-end of hurricane season, which concludes at the end of November. 

Forecasters have warned Cubans that the storm could bring “life-threatening” storm surges, winds, and flash floods to the western part of the island, per the Associated Press.

The storm is expected to cause light rain in Florida this week, and could cause tropical storm conditions in the lower Florida Keys beginning Wednesday, according to NBC News. The storm has already hit Jamaica and the Cayman Islands.

The Cuban government issued an alert for the incoming storm on Wednesday, and classes were cancelled in certain parts of the island. Public transportation and flights were also suspended in Havana and Varadero. Thousands have been evacuated.

Hurricane Rafael is the 17th named storm of the hurricane season, which is higher than usual. There are typically 14 named storms during the season. The hurricane comes two weeks after another hurricane killed six people in Cuba. Last month, the entire island experienced a blackout as a result of storms and an aging power grid.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.