Hurricane Rafael strikes Cuba, causing widespread power outages and flooding
Hurricane Rafael, a Category 3 storm, struck Cuba late Wednesday, causing widespread power outages and flooding. The storm's winds reached 125 mph, leaving much of Havana dark and deserted. Emergency workers are assessing damage to homes and infrastructure. Prior to the hurricane, the Cuban government issued warnings, suspended public transport, and closed schools. The power grid, already strained, faced prolonged blackouts. Rafael is the 17th named storm of the season, following Hurricane Oscar, which caused fatalities last month. As of Thursday, Rafael has weakened to a Category 2 storm and is moving into the Gulf of Mexico. The storm may still bring heavy rain to parts of the southeastern U.S. Cuba continues to face economic challenges, with many residents considering leaving the country.