Sat Nov 09 08:10:52 UTC 2024: ## Hurricane Rafael Weakens After Battering Cuba, Leaving Widespread Damage
**HAVANA, CUBA -** Hurricane Rafael, which slammed into Cuba on Wednesday, has weakened into a tropical storm and is expected to dissipate over the Gulf of Mexico. The storm caused widespread damage across the island, including power outages, flooding, and collapsed homes.
Rafael’s powerful winds knocked out Cuba’s entire electrical grid, leaving millions of people without power. The storm also forced the evacuation of over 283,000 people and led to the collapse of 461 homes. Flooding and debris are widespread, leaving many streets impassable.
While power has been restored to approximately 143,000 homes in Havana, much of the country remains in darkness. The Cuban government is working to restore power and assess the full extent of the damage.
Rafael’s arrival comes on the heels of a difficult period for Cuba, which has been struggling with an energy crisis and the aftermath of a powerful hurricane that struck the eastern part of the island earlier this month.
The storm is now moving westward towards Mexico, with forecasters warning of powerful rain, strong winds, and high waves in the coming hours. Mexican authorities have urged citizens to take precautions.
First Piper 