Thu Nov 07 05:01:29 UTC 2024: ## Hurricane Rafael Pummels Cuba, Leaving Island in Darkness
**HAVANA, Cuba -** Hurricane Rafael, a powerful Category 3 storm, slammed into Cuba on Wednesday, leaving the entire island in darkness after knocking out the power grid. The storm, which had already ravaged parts of the Cayman Islands and Jamaica, brought “life-threatening” storm surges, winds, and flash floods to Cuba, leaving a trail of destruction.
Massive waves crashed against Havana’s shores, while strong winds and rain battered the historic cityscape, leaving trees strewn across flooded streets. The city was plunged into darkness as the storm raged.
Rafael weakened to a Category 2 hurricane as it moved into the Gulf of Mexico near northern Mexico and southern Texas, according to the National Hurricane Center. However, many Cubans were left grappling with the aftermath of the storm, facing a sense of déjà vu after a tumultuous few weeks.
In October, Cuba suffered through a prolonged island-wide blackout due to its ongoing energy crisis. Shortly after, another powerful hurricane struck the eastern part of the island, claiming the lives of six people. These events further fuelled discontent amongst the Cuban population amidst an ongoing economic crisis, driving many to migrate.
The Cuban government, anticipating the severity of the storm, issued warnings and urged citizens to take shelter. Classes and public transport were suspended in some areas, flights were canceled, and thousands of people in the west of the island were evacuated as a preventative measure.
“This is a night I don’t want to sleep through, between the battering air and the trees,” said Silvia Pérez, a 72-year-old retiree living in a coastal area of Havana. “I’m scared for my friends and family.”
Rafael is the 17th named storm of the 2024 hurricane season, which the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicted would be well above average. The forecast called for 17 to 25 named storms, including 13 hurricanes and four major hurricanes.
First Piper 