On Monday, the coast of Gibara in Holguín province experienced waves exceeding 1.5 meters due to the storm surge triggered by Hurricane Erin as it traversed the Atlantic. This information was shared on the Facebook group “MeteoCanal” by Norge Augusto Gallardo Quesada, who posted images depicting the conditions known locally in Cuba as "mar de leva" or "groundswell."
According to the post, the swells originating from the Atlantic are rising beyond 1.5 meters, forcefully hitting the northeastern coast. Gallardo Quesada advised residents to exercise caution and delay any nautical activities until the wave heights diminish.
This phenomenon is typical when tropical cyclones like Erin move through Atlantic waters, despite being distant from the archipelago, because they generate wave trains that eventually reach Cuba's northern shores. The storm surge not only poses a threat to navigation but also to individuals approaching low-lying coastal areas, prompting meteorologists to emphasize the importance of adhering to safety measures.
Meanwhile, state-run Gibaravisión reported via Facebook that the surge affected the Güirito area, causing "coastal flooding in low-lying areas."
Simultaneously, a new tropical wave in the eastern Atlantic is drawing attention from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) due to its potential for development in the coming days. Although currently a disorganized zone of rain and thunderstorms, meteorologists warn that environmental conditions could become more conducive by the end of the week, possibly leading to the formation of a tropical depression.
The system is tracking westward to west-northwest at approximately 20 mph (32 km/h) and has a 50% chance of evolving into a tropical cyclone within the next seven days, as noted in the latest NHC bulletin.
Understanding Storm Surge and Tropical Waves in Cuba
What is "mar de leva" in Cuba?
"Mar de leva," also known as "groundswell," refers to the large, powerful waves that occur when tropical cyclones pass through the Atlantic, even if they are far from Cuba. These waves can impact the northern coast, causing rough seas and potential coastal flooding.
How does Hurricane Erin affect Gibara's coast?
Hurricane Erin has caused waves over 1.5 meters to crash against Gibara's coast due to the storm surge it generated while moving across the Atlantic. This has led to the suspension of nautical activities as a precautionary measure.
What is the current status of the new tropical wave in the Atlantic?
The new tropical wave in the eastern Atlantic is currently a disorganized area of rain and thunderstorms. However, it has a 50% chance of developing into a tropical cyclone within the next seven days as environmental conditions improve.