Hurricane Rafael Strikes Cuba- Power Grid Collapses as Storm Leaves a Trail of Destruction

Category 3 Hurricane Rafael devastates Cuba, cutting power to millions and causing severe flooding.
Warnings of “life-threatening” storm surges and flash floods were issued after the storm, which also affected Jamaica and the Cayman Islands.
Cuban authorities evacuated 70,000 people, suspended public transportation, and canceled flights to safeguard residents.
The storm weakened to a Category 2 as it moved into the Gulf of Mexico, affecting parts of Florida with heavy rains and storm surges.
Rafael is the 17th storm of an active 2024 hurricane season, which experts predict will see above-average activity.

Cuba faced widespread destruction Thursday as Hurricane Rafael, a Category 3 hurricane, tore through the island with unrelenting force. With winds reaching 185 km/h (115 mph), Rafael devastated infrastructure, bringing down Cuba’s entire power grid and leaving millions in darkness. The Cuban government reported that more than 70,000 residents had been evacuated from their homes in preparation for the storm, which followed weeks of power issues and economic hardship.

Severe Storm Surges and Flooding

The U.S. National Hurricane Center warned of “life-threatening” storm surges and flash floods, particularly in the western part of Cuba. In Havana, enormous waves battered the coastline, and the storm’s fierce winds uprooted trees and left streets flooded and deserted. Residents, like 72-year-old Silvia Pérez, described the night as “terrifying,” with strong winds and relentless rains forcing many to hunker down and await the storm’s passage. “This is a night I don’t want to sleep through,” said Pérez.

A Nation Already Struggling

Rafael's destruction has worsened Cuba’s pre-existing energy crisis. Just weeks ago, a nationwide blackout affected millions of Cubans due to power grid maintenance issues and fuel shortages, exacerbating the effects of another hurricane, Hurricane Oscar. In response to Rafael, Cuban authorities issued immediate alerts, shut down public transportation, suspended classes, and canceled all flights in and out of major airports, including Havana and Varadero.

The country’s national energy company, Unión Eléctrica, reported the complete collapse of Cuba’s power infrastructure, stating that engineers would have to wait until the storm had passed to assess the damage and begin restoration efforts.

Widespread Regional Impact

Before hitting Cuba, Hurricane Rafael swept over Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, causing significant flooding and landslides. In Jamaica, roads were blocked, preventing emergency response teams from reaching certain areas. In the Cayman Islands, power outages and school closures were reported, with government officials advising residents to avoid coastal areas until conditions improved.

As Rafael moved northwest through Cuba and into the Gulf of Mexico, it weakened to a Category 2 hurricane. However, forecasters warn that Rafael still poses a significant threat, with the storm expected to bring heavy rainfall and storm surges of up to three feet to Florida’s Lower Keys.

Evacuations and Government Precautions

Cuban authorities took proactive steps to safeguard residents as the storm approached. The Cuban Civil Defense organized large-scale evacuations and urged residents in high-risk areas to relocate to safer ground. Authorities advised Cubans to secure their homes, stockpile essential supplies, and remain indoors until the storm had passed.

Across the region, the U.S. State Department issued a travel advisory for Cuba, encouraging American citizens to reconsider any planned visits. They also arranged flights to evacuate non-essential staff from Cuba, reinforcing the severity of the storm’s potential impact.

2024: A Notable Hurricane Season

The Atlantic hurricane season of 2024 has proven to be particularly active. Hurricane Rafael is the 17th named storm this season, aligning with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) prediction of an above-average hurricane season. The NOAA forecast estimates as many as 25 named storms, with up to 13 reaching hurricane status and four expected to be major hurricanes.

An average Atlantic hurricane season produces approximately 14 named storms, seven of which become hurricanes, including three classified as major hurricanes. This year’s extreme weather patterns reflect changing climate conditions, with scientists noting that warmer ocean temperatures may be contributing to more intense storm formations.

The Path Forward for Cuba

As Cuba begins to assess the damage, the government is calling on international partners and organizations for support. The nation’s vulnerable infrastructure, particularly in the energy sector, has been strained by consecutive natural disasters, and recovery will likely take months. After the storm, the country faces challenges in ensuring food and water supplies reach affected residents, particularly those in western Cuba, where damage was most severe.

The Cuban government has also asked residents to avoid travel on the already compromised roadways. The country’s Civil Defense is mobilizing to clear debris and restore power, a critical need following weeks of prior blackouts and recent hurricane-related destruction.