Hurricane Rafael strengthens as winds, rain begin to lash Cuba

(Reuters) — Hurricane Rafael hit Category 2 strength and will likely intensify further as it churns north toward western Cuba on Wednesday,  packing sustained winds of 110 mph, the National Hurricane Center said.

“It appears very likely that Rafael will become a major hurricane before it makes landfall in western Cuba later today,” the NHC said.

Hurricanes reaching Category 3 and higher are considered major hurricanes because of the potential for significant loss of life and damage.

Rafael strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane overnight as it grazed the Cayman Islands, causing widespread power outages and flooding. Heavy rains had earlier hit parts of Jamaica.

The NHC warned of life-threatening storm surge, damaging hurricane-force winds and flash flooding in western Cuba through Wednesday.

Cuba’s government Tuesday began evacuating residents from low-lying areas, particularly on the island’s south coast, where officials warned of heavy rains, wind and a life-threatening storm surge.

Authorities closed airports across western Cuba ahead of the storm, grounding flights at both Havana’s Jose Marti airport as well as at the popular beach resort at Varadero through Thursday.

Schools were closed across the island and all public transportation in Havana has been shut down until after the storm’s passage.

Havana is especially vulnerable to a hurricane strike, with antiquated, densely packed housing and decrepit infrastructure.

Forecasters predict the storm will spin off toward the western Gulf of Mexico later this week, though the track remains uncertain, the NHC said.