a large dark clouds over water
Photograph ©2024 by Brian Cohen.
Brian Cohen·
Weather
··4 min read

Tropical Storm Rafael to Impact Cayman Islands and Western Cuba: November 2024 Travel Alert

This tropical storm is likely to become a hurricane in mere hours.

Due to the effects of Tropical Storm Rafael to impact Cayman Islands and Western Cuba November 2024, you may want to consider delaying your travel — or, at least, keep yourself updated as to the latest information pertaining to the weather — if this region is in your travel plans over the next few days.

Tropical Storm Rafael to Impact Cayman Islands and Western Cuba: November 2024 Travel Alert

Maximum sustained winds of Tropical Storm Rafael — which is currently approximately 25 miles southeast of Little Cayman in the Cayman Islands and moving northwest at a speed of 15 miles per hour — are at 70 miles per hour, which means that it is currently just shy of becoming a Category 1 hurricane. Landfall may possibly occur on Little Cayman as soon as within two hours this evening, Tuesday, November 5, 2024 as this tropical storm will likely strengthen to hurricane strength — especially as it tracks over warm waters in its path.

a map of the weather
Source: National Hurricane Center of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of the United States.

A Hurricane Warning is in effect for:

  • Cayman Islands
  • The provinces of Pinar del Rio, Artemisa, La Habana, Mayabeque, and Matanzas in Cuba, and the Isle of Youth

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for:

  • The provinces of Villa Clara, Cienfuegos, Sancti Spiritus, and Ciego de Avila in Cuba
  • Lower and Middle Florida Keys from Key West to west of the Channel 5 Bridge
  • Dry Tortugas

A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect:

  • The provinces of Camaguey and Las Tunas in Cuba

Significant precipitation of up to ten inches is possible in across portions of Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, and western portions of Cuba, which is expected to result in significant urban flooding and flash flooding. Up to three inches of rain are forecast in the Florida Keys.

Rough surf and strong rip currents are currently affecting much of the western Caribbean region. A dangerous storm surge of as high as nine feet above normal is expected to contribute to the aforementioned significant flooding of portions of western Cuba.

Expect windy conditions to occur over much of the western half of Cuba. An isolated tornado is possible — especially over the Florida Keys and the far southwestern mainland of Florida.

Tropical Storm Rafael is already currently affecting the Cayman Islands. Although November is still technically hurricane season — which ends on November 30 — hurricanes are somewhat rare during this time of year.

Flight Waivers, Delays, and Cancellations

If you are traveling to or from Cayman Islands and Western Cuba, expect delays and cancellations of flights. Keep up to date on the latest information pertaining to this tropical weather system which may adversely affect your travel plans. Better yet, postponing or canceling your trip might be a better option — no matter which mode of travel you plan on taking.

See also

If you have a flight scheduled, your flight may be delayed or canceled — and you may be eligible for a waiver of a fee to change your itinerary. If you are driving in any of these areas, watch out for deteriorating weather conditions and traffic problems.

Here are nine airlines which have issued travel alerts as a result of this tropical weather system:

Final Boarding Call

Do not be surprised if additional airlines issue travel waivers or alerts.

Be sure to contact your airline or transportation provider for the latest information pertaining to your travels — if they are adversely affected — and please: travel safely.

Photograph ©2024 by Brian Cohen.

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