Cuba prepares for hurricane Rafael as storm approaches island
Tropical storm Rafael is moving toward Cuba and is expected to strengthen into a hurricane. It is currently located near the Cayman Islands and has maximum sustained winds of 110 km/h. Landfall in western Cuba is anticipated on Wednesday.
Cuba's civil defense has urged residents to prepare for the storm. An evacuation order has been issued for 37,000 people in eastern Cuba. A hurricane warning is in effect for several Cuban provinces, while a tropical storm warning covers others.
In the Cayman Islands, schools and government offices are closed as residents prepare for potential damage. Long lines at grocery stores have been reported. Rafael follows Hurricane Oscar, which recently caused fatalities and significant damage in Cuba.