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Hurricane Rafael (2024)

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Hurricane Rafael
Rafael approaching the Cayman Islands on November 5
Meteorological history
FormedNovember 4, 2024
Category 1 hurricane
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/NWS)
Highest winds80 mph (130 km/h)
Lowest pressure985 mbar (hPa); 29.09 inHg
Overall effects
Fatalities≥5
Missing2
DamageUnknown
Areas affectedPanama, Colombia, Jamaica, Cayman Islands
Part of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season

Hurricane Rafael is a strengthening tropical cyclone in the western Caribbean Sea, currently moving northwestward towards the Cayman Islands. The seventeenth named storm[1] and eleventh hurricane of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, Rafael formed on November 4 from an area of low-pressure spawned by a Central American gyre. At least five deaths in Panama occurred due to heavy flooding and landslides produced by Rafael's precursor.

Meteorological history

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Map plotting the track and the intensity of the storm, according to the Saffir–Simpson scale
Map plotting the storm's track and intensity, according to the Saffir–Simpson scale
Map key
Saffir–Simpson scale
  Tropical depression (≤38 mph, ≤62 km/h)
  Tropical storm (39–73 mph, 63–118 km/h)
  Category 1 (74–95 mph, 119–153 km/h)
  Category 2 (96–110 mph, 154–177 km/h)
  Category 3 (111–129 mph, 178–208 km/h)
  Category 4 (130–156 mph, 209–251 km/h)
  Category 5 (≥157 mph, ≥252 km/h)
  Unknown
Storm type
triangle Extratropical cyclone, remnant low, tropical disturbance, or monsoon depression

On October 26, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) began monitoring the southwestern Caribbean in anticipation of tropical development.[2] Several days later, on November 1, a broad area of low pressure developed over the southwestern Caribbean,[3] associated with a Central American gyre.[4] The disturbance initially remained disorganized, but began showing signs of organization on November 3. That afternoon, Air Force Hurricane Hunters collected data showing that the system had developed a closed center, but that deep convection had not yet become organized enough for it to be declared a tropical depression. Due to the disturbance's impending threat to Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, the NHC designated the developing storm Potential Tropical Cyclone Eighteen.[5] The following day, data from the Hurricane Hunters, satellite imagery, and surface observations revealed that the had disturbance developed a well-defined center and was producing organized deep convection; it was accordingly upgraded to Tropical Depression Eighteen the morning of November 4.[6]

At the time, the newly-formed cyclone was located about 195 mi (310 km) south of Kingston, Jamaica.[7] Amid favorable conditions, including warmer than average sea surface temperatures of 86 °F (30 °C),[8] the depression continued to strengthen, and became Tropical Storm Rafael that afternoon.[9][10] The storm tracked northwestward along the southwestern side of a ridge over the western Atlantic on November 5,[11] and passed to the west of Jamaica.[1] That afternoon it developed an inner wind core,[11] and strengthened into a hurricane at 00:20 UTC on November 6.[12]

Preparations

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Panama

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On November 2, the Government of Panama issued a tropical storm warning from Chiriquí to Veraguas. SINAPROC, Panama's emergency services agency, asked residents and tourists to pay attention to weather warnings issued by authorities and noted the threat of heavy rain and strong waves. Several yellow alerts, signifying the threat of the impending weather, were issued for the western portion of the nation.[13] Colón, Coclé, and Kuna Yala had red warnings declared for them.[14] Classes were suspended in five provinces, while the government opened nine emergency shelters.[15]

Jamaica

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Once the precursor to Rafael was designated as a potential tropical cyclone, a tropical storm warning was issued for Jamaica.[16] Two matches in the Jamaica Premier League, originally scheduled for November 4, were postponed.[17] Additionally, several matches in the Manning Cup had to be delayed due to the storm.[18] The University of the West Indies closed all clinics and non-emergency services due to the storm.[19]

Cayman Islands

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At the time Rafael's precursor was designed a potential tropical cyclone on November 3, a Hurricane Watch was issued for the Cayman Islands.[16] The following morning, the watch covering the Cayman Islands was replaced with a Hurricane Warning.[20] Due to the storm, all government schools and the University College of the Cayman Islands were closed on November 5.[21] The Cayman Islands Regiment deployed to Cayman Brac and Little Cayman for the first time. Eight were sent to Little Cayman and ten were sent to Cayman Brac.[22] Sandbags were made available for the residents of Cayman Brac and Grand Cayman.[23] Shelters were also opened in Cayman Brac and Little Cayman.[24] Several government offices closed in preparation for Rafael.[25] The Cayman Islands' Bankers Association closed all banks November 5.[26]

Cuba

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A hurricane watch went into effect for six eastern provinces of Cuba on November 4.[7] The Camagüey Province and Las Tunas Province saw a Tropical Storm Warning go into effect.[27] Due to the system's expected impacts, over 66,000 people were evacuated from Guantánamo Province.[28] Additionally, several flights were cancelled, and maritime traffic between Batabanó and Nueva Gerona was suspended.[29] Rafael approached as the country was still recovering from Hurricane Oscar, which struck the eastern part of Cuba about two weeks earlier, and from a country-wide power blackout.[1]

United States

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Florida

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A tropical storm watch was issued on November 4 for the lower and middle Florida Keys from Key West to west of the Channel 5 Bridge, and for the Dry Tortugas.[9] Schools in Monroe County were closed ahead of Rafael's expected passage near the southern Florida peninsula.[30]

Impact

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Panama and Colombia

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In Panama, rains from the incipient disturbance of Rafael damaged several homes, leaving a total of more than 1,097 displaced.[31][32] The shelters opened in Panama housed 100 people.[15] At least 5 people died in the nation as a result, with another two remaining missing.[33][34] More than 200 families were affected by the rains in the Herrera Province and the Los Santos Province.[35]

In Colombia, Rafael's precursor caused torrential rainfall in the Santa Marta. Rock slides occurred and several cars were swept away. Some homes also saw damage, with two getting destroyed. One person also suffered from minor injuries. Multiple structures were judged as on the verge of collapse.[36]

Jamaica

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Officials in Jamaica blamed persistent rains ahead of the potential storm for a large landslide on November 3, which left several rural communities isolated.[9] Heavy rains from Rafael caused several road blockages, with garbage propelled by the storm blocking a road in Saint Andrew Parish and a landslide blocking another road in Saint Catherine Parish.[37] Several of Jamaica's southern parishes received over 3 in (7.6 cm) of rainfall.[38]

Cayman Islands

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Torrential rainfall from Rafael caused the islands of Little Cayman and Cayman Brac to lose power.[39]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c "Tropical Storm Rafael passes Jamaica as Cuba prepares for another hurricane hit". PBS NewsHour. Associated Press. November 5, 2024. Retrieved November 5, 2024.
  2. ^ Berg, Robbie (October 26, 2024). Tropical Weather Outlook (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved November 3, 2024.
  3. ^ Beven, John (November 1, 2024). Tropical Weather Outlook (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  4. ^ Masters, Jeff (November 1, 2024). "A November tropical storm in the Caribbean is now likely". New Haven, Connecticut: Yale Climate Connection. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  5. ^ Cangialosi, John (November 3, 2024). Potential Tropical Cyclone Eighteen Discussion Number 1 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved November 3, 2024.
  6. ^ Cangialosi, John; Kelly, Larry (November 4, 2024). Tropical Depression Eighteen Discussion Number 4 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved November 4, 2024.
  7. ^ a b Ambriz, Chelsea; Galarza, Monica (November 4, 2024). "Tropical Depression 18 forms, expected to become a tropical storm later Monday". Miami, Florida: WTVJ. Retrieved November 4, 2024.
  8. ^ Masters, Jeff; Henson, Bob (November 4, 2024). "Tropical Depression 18 predicted to become Hurricane Rafael in the Caribbean". New Haven, Connecticut: Yale Climate Connections. Retrieved November 4, 2024.
  9. ^ a b c "Tropical Storm Rafael forms in the Caribbean and could hit Cuba as a hurricane". AP News. November 4, 2024. Retrieved November 4, 2024.
  10. ^ Kelly, Larry (November 4, 2024). Tropical Storm Rafael Discussion Number 5 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved November 4, 2024.
  11. ^ a b Beven, John (November 5, 2024). Tropical Storm Rafael Discussion Number 9 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved November 5, 2024.
  12. ^ Papin, Philippe; Hagen, Andrew (November 5, 2024). Hurricane Rafael Tropical Cyclone Update (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved November 5, 2024.
  13. ^ "Sinaproc declara Alerta Roja en cinco provincias y una comarca". Sinaproc - Sitio Oficial de Sinaproc Panamá (in European Spanish). November 3, 2024. Retrieved November 5, 2024.
  14. ^ Ruíz, Noemí (November 5, 2024). "¡Advertencia! Sinaproc declara Alerta Roja por tormenta tropical Rafael". Telemetro.com (in Spanish). Retrieved November 5, 2024.
  15. ^ a b "SINAPROC declara Alerta Roja en cinco provincias y una comarca". www.telemetro.com (in Spanish). November 3, 2024. Retrieved November 5, 2024.
  16. ^ a b Yablonski, Steven (November 3, 2024). "Potential Tropical Cyclone 18 forecast to become Tropical Storm Rafael in Caribbean Sea". FOX Weather. Retrieved November 3, 2024.
  17. ^ Buchanan, Orane (November 4, 2024). "JPL matches postponed". The Star. Retrieved November 4, 2024.
  18. ^ "Coaches wary of hectic schedule after Manning Cup delays". The Gleaner. November 5, 2024. Retrieved November 5, 2024.
  19. ^ "UHWI scales back services amid Tropical Storm Warning". The Star. November 4, 2024. Retrieved November 4, 2024.
  20. ^ Cangialosi, John; Kelly, Larry (November 4, 2024). Potential Tropical Cyclone Eighteen Tropical Cyclone Update (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved November 4, 2024.
  21. ^ "Schools Remain Open on Monday, Closed on Tuesday". Caymanian Times. November 3, 2024. Retrieved November 4, 2024.
  22. ^ Hainey, Raymond (November 5, 2024). "Regiment deploys to Sister Islands for first time". Cayman Compass. Retrieved November 6, 2024.
  23. ^ Ragoonath, Reshma (November 4, 2024). "Cayman Islands placed under hurricane warning". Cayman Compass. Retrieved November 4, 2024.
  24. ^ "Final Preparations Urged For Sister Islands". Caymanian Times. November 5, 2024. Retrieved November 5, 2024.
  25. ^ "Rafael spins toward Cayman Islands, as Cuba prepares for direct hit | Loop Caribbean News". Loop News. November 5, 2024. Retrieved November 6, 2024.
  26. ^ "Airport, banks, courts and schools to close ahead of storm". Cayman News Service. November 4, 2024. Retrieved November 6, 2024.
  27. ^ "Rafael Gains Strength and Heads Toward Cuba: What Lies Ahead?". CubaHeadlines. November 5, 2024. Retrieved November 5, 2024.
  28. ^ "More Than 66,000 Cubans Evacuated Over Flooding Fears". Barrons. AFP-Agence France Presse. November 4, 2024. Retrieved November 4, 2024.
  29. ^ "Cancellations and adjustments in Cuban transportation in response to the threat of Tropical Storm Rafael". CiberCuba. November 4, 2024. Retrieved November 4, 2024.
  30. ^ "Monroe County Schools to close Wednesday ahead of Tropical Storm Rafael". WSVN 7 News. November 5, 2024. Retrieved November 5, 2024.
  31. ^ "Más de mil damnificados y cinco muertes tras el impacto de las lluvias". www.laestrella.com.pa (in Spanish). Retrieved November 5, 2024.
  32. ^ "Panamá: reportan al menos cuatro muertos y dos desaparecidos tras fuertes lluvias e inundaciones". Telemundo 52 (in Spanish). November 3, 2024. Retrieved November 4, 2024.
  33. ^ Staff, Forbes (November 3, 2024). "Lluvias intensas provocan cuatro muertes en Panamá". Forbes México (in Spanish). Retrieved November 4, 2024.
  34. ^ RCN, Noticias (November 4, 2024). "Cuatro personas fallecieron en Panamá por las fuertes lluvias: uno de ellos era un comisionado de la Policía". Noticias RCN (in Spanish). Retrieved November 4, 2024.
  35. ^ "Panama - Severe weather, floods and landslides ( NOAA-CPC, IFRC, Copernicus EMSR, media) (ECHO Daily Flash of 05 November 2024)". reliefweb.int. November 5, 2024. Retrieved November 5, 2024.
  36. ^ Agudelo, Por Francy (November 1, 2024). "Santa Marta en emergencia por lluvias: avalancha inundó parte de la ciudad, sepultó vehículos y dejó varias personas heridas". infobae (in European Spanish). Retrieved November 6, 2024.
  37. ^ "Several roads islandwide rendered impassable as Tropical Storm Rafael lashes country". Jamaica Obsever. November 5, 2024. Retrieved November 5, 2024.
  38. ^ "Tropical Storm Rafael starts moving away from Jamaica". The Gleaner. November 5, 2024. Retrieved November 5, 2024.
  39. ^ "Rafael landfall brings power outages and severe conditions to Sister Islands". Cayman Compass. November 6, 2024. Retrieved November 6, 2024.
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