Hurricane Rafael was the strongest November tropical cyclone in the Gulf of Mexico on record, tied with 1985's Hurricane Kate.[1] The seventeenth named storm, eleventh hurricane, and fifth major hurricane of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season,[2] Rafael formed on November 4, 2024 from an area of low-pressure spawned by a Central American gyre. Steady organization occurred throughout the next two days, with Rafael becoming a hurricane early on November 6, as it moved northwest towards Cuba. Favorable conditions enabled the cyclone to rapidly intensify, becoming a Category 3 major hurricane later that day before making landfall in Cuba. Then, after weakening some while over land, it entered the Gulf of Mexico and re-intensified to a major hurricane once again at peak intensity early on November 8. Hostile conditions caused the hurricane to rapidly weaken afterwards, falling below hurricane intensity later that day, eventually degenerating into a remnant low on November 10. The circulation opened up into a trough the next day.

Hurricane Rafael
Rafael in the Gulf of Mexico near peak intensity early on November 8
Meteorological history
FormedNovember 4, 2024
Remnant lowNovember 10, 2024
DissipatedNovember 11, 2024
Category 3 major hurricane
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/NWS)
Highest winds120 mph (195 km/h)
Lowest pressure956 mbar (hPa); 28.23 inHg
Overall effects
Fatalities8
Missing2
Damage>$31.6 million (2024 USD)
Areas affected

Part of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season

Two deaths have been confirmed in Jamaica as a result of flooding caused by Rafael. Additionally, at least five deaths in Panama occurred due to heavy flooding and landslides produced by Rafael's precursor disturbance, along with one death in Colombia. Preliminary damages are estimated to be at least US$31.6 million.

Meteorological history

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Map plotting the storm's track and intensity, according to the Saffir–Simpson scale
Map key
  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
  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.[3] Several days later, on November 1, a broad area of low pressure developed over the southwestern Caribbean,[4] associated with a Central American gyre.[5] 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.[6] The following day, data from the Hurricane Hunters, satellite imagery, and surface observations revealed that the disturbance had developed a well-defined center and was producing organized deep convection; it was accordingly upgraded to Tropical Depression Eighteen the morning of November 4.[7]

At the time, the newly-formed cyclone was located about 195 mi (310 km) south of Kingston, Jamaica.[8] Amid favorable conditions, including warmer than average sea surface temperatures of 30 °C (86 °F),[9] the depression continued to strengthen and became Tropical Storm Rafael that afternoon.[10][11] The storm tracked northwestward along the southwestern side of a ridge over the western Atlantic on November 5,[12] and passed to the west of Jamaica.[13] That afternoon it developed an inner wind core,[12] and strengthened into a hurricane early on November 6.[14] Rapid intensification ensued throughout the morning as a small eye became visible, with Rafael becoming a Category 3 major hurricane that afternoon as it neared Cuba,[15] eventually making landfall in the province of Artemisa, just east of Playa Majana, at 21:15 UTC on November 6, with sustained winds of 115 mph (185 km/h).[16] A few hours later, the system entered the Gulf of Mexico as a weaker Category 2 hurricane.[17] It then proceeded to turn west-northwestward and re-intensify, becoming a major hurricane once again early on November 8 with peak winds of 120 mph (195 km/h).[18] That afternoon, however, the system turned westward and began losing strength and organization due to increasing westerly wind shear and dry air intrusion.[19] This trend continued, and Rafael was downgraded to a tropical storm late that same day.[20] By late the following day, the storm's convection was limited to the northeast of an exposed and broad low-level center.[21] On November 10, Rafael's remaining convection collapsed, and it degenerated into a remnant low while drifting over the central Gulf,[22] before opening up into a trough on the next day. The remnant trough continued meandering until dissipating early on November 13.

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. 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.[23] Colón, Coclé, and Kuna Yala had red warnings declared for them.[24] Classes were suspended in five provinces, while the government opened nine emergency shelters.[25]

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.[26] Two matches in the Jamaica Premier League, originally scheduled for November 4, were postponed.[27] Additionally, several matches in the Manning Cup had to be delayed due to the storm.[28] The University of the West Indies closed all clinics and non-emergency services due to the storm.[29]

Cayman Islands

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Rafael at its initial peak intensity approaching Cuba on November 6

At the time Rafael's precursor was designated as a potential tropical cyclone on November 3, a Hurricane Watch was issued for the Cayman Islands.[26] The following morning, the watch covering the Cayman Islands was replaced with a Hurricane Warning.[30] Due to the storm, all government schools and the University College of the Cayman Islands were closed on November 5.[31] Cayman Airways confirmed that their fleet had been secured.[32] 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.[33] Sandbags were made available for the residents of Cayman Brac and Grand Cayman.[34] Shelters were also opened in Cayman Brac and Little Cayman.[35] Several government offices closed in preparation for Rafael.[36] The Cayman Islands' Bankers Association closed all banks on November 5.[37]

Cuba

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A hurricane watch went into effect for six eastern provinces of Cuba on November 4.[8] The provinces of Camagüey and Las Tunas saw a tropical storm warning go into effect.[38] Due to the system's expected impacts, over 66,000 people were evacuated from Guantánamo province.[39] Additionally, several flights were cancelled, and maritime traffic between Batabanó and Nueva Gerona was suspended.[40] Classes were suspended in multiple provinces with transportation services halted in multiple towns in Western Cuba, including the capital city Havana.[41] Rafael approached as the country was still recovering from a country-wide power blackout and the effects of Hurricane Oscar, which struck the eastern part of Cuba about two weeks earlier.[13] More than 283,000 people evacuated ahead of the storm, including 98,300 from Havana.[1]

United States

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Rip current warnings were issued for much of the Gulf Coast of the United States.[42]

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.[10] On November 5, the watch was upgraded to a tropical storm warning for the lower and middle Florida Keys.[43] As a precaution, schools in Monroe County were closed on November 6.[44]

Impact

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Casualties and damage by country
Country Deaths Missing Damage cost
Panama 5 2 Un­known
Colombia 1 0 Un­known
Jamaica 2 0 USD$31.6 million
Cayman Islands 0 0 Un­known
Cuba 0 0 Un­known
Total 8 2 >$31.6 million

Panama and Costa Rica

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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.[45][46] About 100 people were housed in shelters.[25] At least five people died in the nation as a result, with another two remaining missing.[47][48] More than 200 families were affected by the rains in Herrera and Los Santos Provinces.[49]

Additionally, interaction between the disturbance and the Pacific Intertropical Convergence Zone caused flooding in Costa Rica.[50] This resulted in a bridge collapse and 42 people needing to be rescued in Guanacaste Province.[51]

Colombia

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In Colombia, Rafael's precursor caused torrential rainfall in the Santa Marta area. Rockslides occurred and several cars were swept away by floodwaters. Some homes also sustained damage, with two of them destroyed. One person also suffered from minor injuries. Multiple structures were declared at risk of collapse.[52] In La Guajira Department, one person drowned and more than 100 families were affected,[53] with multiple streams overflowing resulting in numerous roads and houses being flooded.[54]

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.[10] 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.[55] At the latter parish, two people were found dead in a vehicle that was swept away by the floods.[56] Several of Jamaica's southern parishes received over 3 in (76 mm) of rainfall.[57] Rainfall from Rafael exacerbated flooding in Troja district, causing several fords to break away throughout the area.[58] The storm caused flooding and landslides and knocked the nation's power grid offline.[59][60] Preliminary damage estimate in the country according to prime minister Andrew Holness is J$500 million to J$1 billion (USD$31.6–63.2 million).[a][61]

Cayman Islands

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Torrential rainfall from Rafael caused the islands of Little Cayman and Cayman Brac to lose power.[32] Grand Cayman saw rough seas and flooding from Rafael. Power lines and trees were downed on Little Cayman, with roads covered with sand and debris.[32][62] Additionally, multiple dive boats sank off the coast of Little Cayman.[63] Cayman Brac saw numerous trees uprooted and significant shingle damage,[64] with multiple docks and power lines also being damaged.[65]

Cuba

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Rafael's winds caused an island-wide power-grid failure.[66][67] In western Cuba, 300 mm (12 in) of rain was reported, resulting in flooding and landslides.[68] Government officials reported that areas in and around Artemisa sustained the worst damage from Rafael.[69][70] In Artemisa, 2,825 homes were damaged, in addition to hospitals, schools, and service centers. Nearly 40,000 acres of crops were either damaged or lost. In neighboring Mayabeque, 441 homes were damaged, and agriculture was badly affected.[69][71][72] Rafael passed about 30 mi (48 km) west of Havana, with sustained winds of 44 mph (71 km/h) being recorded, along with gusts of up to 71 mph (114 km/h).[2] Rainfall from the hurricane flooded several neighborhoods in Centro Habana and Old Havana.[73] Numerous homes and public buildings were damaged, trees were uprooted, and telephone poles toppled.[69][74] Preliminary estimates for the damages caused by Hurricane Oscar and Rafael are at 383 million Cuban Pesos (USD$16 million).[75]

United States

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While Rafael did not approach the U.S. Gulf Coast, it did churn up rip currents along much of the coast on November 9 and 10.[76][77] In addition, Rafael impacted the Florida Keys with up to 2 in (51 mm) of rain and gusts up to 53 mph (85 km/h).[78]

See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ Converted using exchangerates.org, based on exchange rates for November 11, 2024

References

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  1. ^ a b Patrick Smith (November 8, 2024). "Hurricane Rafael moves across Gulf of Mexico as a rare major November storm while Cuba recovers". NBC News. Retrieved November 8, 2024.
  2. ^ a b Masters, Jeff (November 7, 2024). "Rafael one of just three Cat2+ November hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico". New Haven, Connecticut: Yale Climate Connection. Retrieved November 7, 2024.
  3. ^ Berg, Robbie (October 26, 2024). Tropical Weather Outlook (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved November 3, 2024.
  4. ^ Beven, John (November 1, 2024). Tropical Weather Outlook (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  5. ^ 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.
  6. ^ Cangialosi, John (November 3, 2024). Potential Tropical Cyclone Eighteen Discussion Number 1 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved November 3, 2024.
  7. ^ Cangialosi, John; Kelly, Larry (November 4, 2024). Tropical Depression Eighteen Discussion Number 4 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved November 4, 2024.
  8. ^ 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.
  9. ^ 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.
  10. ^ 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.
  11. ^ Kelly, Larry (November 4, 2024). Tropical Storm Rafael Discussion Number 5 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved November 4, 2024.
  12. ^ a b Beven, John (November 5, 2024). Tropical Storm Rafael Discussion Number 9 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved November 5, 2024.
  13. ^ a b "Tropical Storm Rafael passes Jamaica as Cuba prepares for another hurricane hit". PBS NewsHour. Associated Press. November 5, 2024. Retrieved November 5, 2024.
  14. ^ Papin, Philippe; Hagen, Andrew (November 5, 2024). Hurricane Rafael Tropical Cyclone Update (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved November 5, 2024.
  15. ^ Yablonski, Steven (November 6, 2024). "Rafael becomes major hurricane as late-season storm nears landfall in Cuba". FOX Weather. Retrieved November 6, 2024.
  16. ^ Beven, John; Hagen, Andrew (November 6, 2024). Hurricane Rafael Tropical Cyclone Update (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved November 6, 2024.
  17. ^ Gilbert, Mary (November 7, 2024). "Hurricane Rafael heads west out of Cuba as a Category 2 storm after causing power system to collapse". CNN. Retrieved November 7, 2024.
  18. ^ Kelly, Larry (November 8, 2024). Hurricane Rafael Special Discussion Number 19 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved November 8, 2024.
  19. ^ Cangialosi, John (November 8, 2024). Hurricane Rafael Discussion Number 22 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved November 8, 2024.
  20. ^ Beven, John (November 8, 2024). Tropical Storm Rafael Discussion Number 23 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved November 8, 2024.
  21. ^ Beven, John (November 9, 2024). Tropical Storm Rafael Discussion Number 27 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved November 9, 2024.
  22. ^ Reinhart, Brad (November 10, 2024). Post-Tropical Cyclone Rafael Discussion Number 30 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved November 10, 2024.
  23. ^ "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.
  24. ^ Ruíz, Noemí (November 5, 2024). "¡Advertencia! Sinaproc declara Alerta Roja por tormenta tropical Rafael". Telemetro.com (in Spanish). Retrieved November 5, 2024.
  25. ^ a b "SINAPROC declara Alerta Roja en cinco provincias y una comarca". www.telemetro.com (in Spanish). November 3, 2024. Retrieved November 5, 2024.
  26. ^ 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.
  27. ^ Buchanan, Orane (November 4, 2024). "JPL matches postponed". The Star. Retrieved November 4, 2024.
  28. ^ "Coaches wary of hectic schedule after Manning Cup delays". The Gleaner. November 5, 2024. Retrieved November 5, 2024.
  29. ^ "UHWI scales back services amid Tropical Storm Warning". The Star. November 4, 2024. Retrieved November 4, 2024.
  30. ^ Cangialosi, John; Kelly, Larry (November 4, 2024). Potential Tropical Cyclone Eighteen Tropical Cyclone Update (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved November 4, 2024.
  31. ^ "Schools Remain Open on Monday, Closed on Tuesday". Caymanian Times. November 3, 2024. Retrieved November 4, 2024.
  32. ^ a b c "Damage and debris but no casualties after Rafael hits Little Cayman". Cayman Compass. November 6, 2024. Archived from the original on November 6, 2024. Retrieved November 6, 2024.
  33. ^ Hainey, Raymond (November 5, 2024). "Regiment deploys to Sister Islands for first time". Cayman Compass. Retrieved November 6, 2024.
  34. ^ Ragoonath, Reshma (November 4, 2024). "Cayman Islands placed under hurricane warning". Cayman Compass. Retrieved November 4, 2024.
  35. ^ "Final Preparations Urged For Sister Islands". Caymanian Times. November 5, 2024. Retrieved November 5, 2024.
  36. ^ "Rafael spins toward Cayman Islands, as Cuba prepares for direct hit | Loop Caribbean News". Loop News. November 5, 2024. Retrieved November 6, 2024.
  37. ^ "Airport, banks, courts and schools to close ahead of storm". Cayman News Service. November 4, 2024. Retrieved November 6, 2024.
  38. ^ "Rafael Gains Strength and Heads Toward Cuba: What Lies Ahead?". CubaHeadlines. November 5, 2024. Retrieved November 5, 2024.
  39. ^ "More Than 66,000 Cubans Evacuated Over Flooding Fears". Barrons. AFP-Agence France Presse. November 4, 2024. Retrieved November 4, 2024.
  40. ^ "Cancellations and adjustments in Cuban transportation in response to the threat of Tropical Storm Rafael". CiberCuba. November 4, 2024. Retrieved November 4, 2024.
  41. ^ "Rafael amenaza a Cuba con la fuerza de un 'huracán mayor" [Rafael threatens Cuba with the force of a ‘major hurricane‘] (in Spanish). France24. Agence France-Presse. November 6, 2024. Retrieved November 6, 2024.
  42. ^ Atienza, Julian (November 8, 2024). "Texas, Florida forecast to see life-threatening rip current threat from former hurricane". FOX Weather. Retrieved November 9, 2024.
  43. ^ MacLauchlan, John; Czachor, Emily Mae (November 6, 2024). "Tropical storm warning issued for Florida Keys as Rafael becomes hurricane - CBS Miami". www.cbsnews.com. Retrieved November 6, 2024.
  44. ^ "Monroe County Schools to close Wednesday ahead of Tropical Storm Rafael". WSVN 7 News. November 5, 2024. Retrieved November 5, 2024.
  45. ^ "Más de mil damnificados y cinco muertes tras el impacto de las lluvias". www.laestrella.com.pa (in Spanish). Retrieved November 5, 2024.
  46. ^ "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.
  47. ^ Staff, Forbes (November 3, 2024). "Lluvias intensas provocan cuatro muertes en Panamá". Forbes México (in Spanish). Retrieved November 4, 2024.
  48. ^ 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.
  49. ^ "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.
  50. ^ CRI: Flood - 11-2024 - Heavy rains - Costa Rica (2024-11-09) (Report). Reliefweb. November 9, 2024. Retrieved November 11, 2024.
  51. ^ "Tormenta Rafael y onda tropical mantendrán a Costa Rica bajo lluvias hasta el viernes" (in Spanish). La República. November 6, 2024. Retrieved November 6, 2024.
  52. ^ 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.
  53. ^ "Una persona muerta por inmersión, 100 familias afectadas y varias comunidades incomunicadas dejan las lluvias de las últimas horas". El Tiempo (in Spanish). November 6, 2024. Retrieved November 6, 2024.
  54. ^ Beltran, Daniela (November 6, 2024). "La tormenta tropical Rafael se convirtió en huracán: en La Guajira piden decretar emergencia por desastre natural" [Tropical storm Rafael has become a hurricane: in La Guajira they ask to declare a state of emergency due to a natural disaster]. Infobae (in Spanish). Retrieved November 6, 2024.
  55. ^ "Several roads islandwide rendered impassable as Tropical Storm Rafael lashes country". Jamaica Obsever. November 5, 2024. Retrieved November 5, 2024.
  56. ^ "Two bodies found in vehicle swept away by flooodwaters in St. Catherine". Radio Jamaica. November 7, 2024. Retrieved November 8, 2024.
  57. ^ "Tropical Storm Rafael starts moving away from Jamaica". The Gleaner. November 5, 2024. Retrieved November 5, 2024.
  58. ^ Malcolm, Dans (November 6, 2024). "'It's terrible, terrible'". Jamaica Observer. Retrieved November 6, 2024.
  59. ^ Mellen, Ruby; Schmidt, Samantha (November 7, 2024). "Hurricane Rafael plunges Cuba into another nationwide blackout". Washington Post. Retrieved November 10, 2024.
  60. ^ "Reportan más de 461 derrumbes en La Habana tras el huracán Rafael". El Dictamen (in Spanish). November 7, 2024. Retrieved November 10, 2024.
  61. ^ "Preliminary damage estimates after TS Rafael $500m to $1 billion | Loop Jamaica". Loop News. November 7, 2024. Retrieved November 10, 2024.
  62. ^ Connolly, Norma (November 6, 2024). "Little Cayman faces clean up and recovery after Rafael's destructive passage". Cayman Compass. Archived from the original on November 10, 2024. Retrieved November 10, 2024.
  63. ^ Ledger, Wendy (November 6, 2024). "All clear issued for all three Cayman Islands". Cayman News Service. Retrieved November 7, 2024.
  64. ^ Ragoonath, Reshma (November 7, 2024). "Scale of Rafael's damage apparent on Brac after storm clouds clear". Cayman Compass. Retrieved November 9, 2024.
  65. ^ Ragoonath, Reshma (November 7, 2024). "Cayman Brac battered but not beaten after Rafael roars past". Cayman Compass. Archived from the original on November 10, 2024. Retrieved November 10, 2024.
  66. ^ Sherwood, Dave; Acosta, Nelson (November 8, 2024). "Cuba slowly restores power after hurricane, Havana still dark". Reuters. Retrieved November 8, 2024.
  67. ^ Rodríguez, Andrea (November 7, 2024). "Cuba left reeling after Category 3 hurricane ravages island and knocks out power grid". AP News. Retrieved November 8, 2024.
  68. ^ "Trayectoria del huracán Rafael: hacia dónde se dirige el coloso que impactó en Cuba y pasa cerca de Florida" [Hurricane Rafael's trajectory: where is the colossus that hit Cuba and is passing near Florida headed?]. La Nación (in Spanish). November 7, 2024. Retrieved November 7, 2024.
  69. ^ a b c "Cuba no reporta muertos tras paso de huracán Rafael" [Cuba does not report deaths after Hurricane Rafael]. Granma (in Spanish). Prensa Latina. November 7, 2024. Retrieved November 8, 2024.
  70. ^ "Hurricane Rafael leaves Cuba reeling, moves into Gulf of Mexico". CBS News. November 7, 2024. Retrieved November 8, 2024.
  71. ^ "Más de 3000 viviendas dañadas por el huracán Rafael en Artemisa y Mayabeque" [More than 3,000 homes damaged by Hurricane Rafael in Artemisa and Mayabeque]. OnCubaNews (in Spanish). November 8, 2024. Retrieved November 8, 2024.
  72. ^ Torres, Nora (November 8, 2024). "Hurricane left trail of collapsed homes, lost crops and damaged infrastructure in Cuba". The Miami Herald. Archived from the original on November 10, 2024. Retrieved November 10, 2024.
  73. ^ "Hurricane Rafael wreaks havoc in Havana: Flooding, landslides, and mass evacuations". CiberCuba. November 7, 2024. Retrieved November 7, 2024.
  74. ^ "El huracán Rafael causó severos daños materiales en Cuba" [Hurricane Rafael caused severe material damage in Cuba]. El Sureño (in Spanish). November 8, 2024. Retrieved November 8, 2024.
  75. ^ "Cuban authorities update the amount of damage caused by recent natural disasters - Prensa Latina". November 14, 2024. Retrieved November 24, 2024.
  76. ^ "WATCH: Tropical Storm Rafael Bringing High Surf and Rip Currents to the Gulf Coast". Yahoo News. November 10, 2024. Retrieved November 10, 2024.
  77. ^ Modrick, Mike (November 10, 2024). "Tropical Storm Rafael almost gone". Sarasota, Florida: WWSB. Retrieved November 10, 2024.
  78. ^ "Hurricane Rafael To Track Through Gulf While Weakening Into Next Week". The Weather Channel. November 7, 2024. Retrieved November 22, 2024.
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