Hurricane Rafael weakens to tropical storm after damaging Cuba and moving over Gulf of Mexico
Hurricane Rafael has weakened to a tropical storm as it moves through the Gulf of Mexico after causing significant damage in Cuba. The storm knocked out the electric grid, forced the evacuation of 283,000 people, and destroyed 461 homes. As of November 8, 2024, Rafael was located 390 km north of Progreso, Mexico, with maximum sustained winds of 110 kph. It is expected to move westward toward Mexico, bringing heavy rain and dangerous surf conditions. Cuba has restored power to about 143,000 homes in Havana, but many remain without electricity. The storm previously impacted Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, causing power outages and mudslides.