Tropical Storm Rafael Approaches Jamaica, Authorities Urge Precautions

Tropical storm Rafael is strengthening as it moves closer to Jamaica, prompting authorities to urge citizens to take all necessary precautions. The Ministry of Education has directed all schools to utilize online platforms to ensure learning continues while prioritizing safety.

The government has activated the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) in preparation for the storm, which is expected to bring heavy rainfall and potentially lead to flooding and landslides.

Caribbean Airlines has canceled flights from Kingston to New York and back, as well as the service between St. Maarten and Kingston, and has contacted affected passengers to re-accommodate them on recovery services.

According to the Miami-based National Hurricane Center (NHC), the storm is currently 105 miles southwest of Kingston and 265 miles southeast of Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands. A hurricane warning is in effect for the Cayman Islands and several Cuban provinces, while a tropical storm warning remains in effect for Jamaica and other Cuban provinces.

Rafael has maximum sustained winds of 60 miles per hour (mph) with higher gusts and is moving northwest at nearly 13 mph. The NHC predicts the storm will move near Jamaica this morning, near or over the Cayman Islands tonight, and near or over western Cuba on Wednesday.

The NHC warns of steady to rapid intensification over the next 24 to 36 hours, with Rafael expected to become a hurricane in the northwestern Caribbean near the Cayman Islands and further strengthen before making landfall in Cuba. Hurricane conditions are expected in the Cayman Islands by this afternoon and in western Cuba and the Isle of Youth on Wednesday.

Heavy rainfall is expected to impact areas of the Western Caribbean through early Thursday, particularly across Jamaica and the Cayman Islands into southern and western portions of Cuba, with rainfall totals between three and six inches expected.

Isolated higher totals of up to 10 inches are anticipated across higher terrain in Jamaica and Cuba, which could lead to areas of flash flooding and mudslides. Minor coastal flooding is possible in Jamaica tonight, with a storm surge expected to raise water levels by one to three feet above normal tide levels in the Cayman Islands and six to nine feet above normal tide levels in areas of onshore winds along the southern coast of Cuba.

Conclusion

The people of Jamaica and the wider Caribbean region are advised to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety as Tropical Storm Rafael approaches. Stay informed about the latest updates and follow the instructions of local authorities.

FAQs

What is the current status of Tropical Storm Rafael?
The storm is currently 105 miles southwest of Kingston and 265 miles southeast of Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands.
What are the expectations for the storm’s impact?
Heavy rainfall is expected to impact areas of the Western Caribbean, particularly across Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, with potential for flooding and landslides.
What are the warnings and watches in effect?
A hurricane warning is in effect for the Cayman Islands and several Cuban provinces, while a tropical storm warning remains in effect for Jamaica and other Cuban provinces.