On Saturday afternoon, a severe local storm swept through Santa Clara in Villa Clara, bringing with it linear wind gusts estimated to exceed 62 mph, causing concern among residents and damage across several areas. Amaury Machado, a specialist from the Provincial Meteorological Center, confirmed that the phenomenon primarily impacted the southwestern part of the city, where the powerful winds led to fallen trees and disruptions to the power grid.
Residents reported that the storm struck with little warning, accompanied by heavy rains that significantly reduced street visibility. This event is part of the seasonal severe local storms that typically hit the country's central region during the summer months, sometimes reaching intensities comparable to cyclonic winds.
"In Escambray, it was intense, with trees almost completely uprooted," commented an internet user. "In the Tránsito neighborhood, it felt like a cyclone with very strong wind gusts and hail," added another. Meteorologists have warned that such phenomena could recur in the coming days due to atmospheric instability, advising the public to take extra precautions and stay informed through official reports.
According to the Saffir-Simpson hurricane scale, an event is classified as Category 1 when winds range from 74 to 95 mph, meaning the storm in Santa Clara nearly reached hurricane-force winds. This weekend, several locations have been hit by storms. An independent media outlet, CubaNet, shared a video showing La Calzada del Cerro in Havana flooded after heavy rain on Friday.
Flooding has become a routine challenge for many Cubans. On August 11, torrential rains resulted in flooded streets, trapped vehicles, and waterlogged homes in various parts of the Cuban capital. The downpour, accompanied by thunderstorms, caused severe flooding in low-lying and poorly drained areas such as Vía Blanca, Vento-Lacret, and Avenida del Puerto, where even a bus was stranded despite the presence of firefighters.
Understanding the Impact of Severe Weather in Cuba
What caused the severe storm in Santa Clara?
The severe storm in Santa Clara was caused by atmospheric instability, which is common during the summer months in Cuba, leading to conditions that can produce strong wind gusts and heavy rain.
How do local storms in Cuba compare to hurricanes?
Local storms in Cuba can reach intensities similar to hurricanes, particularly in terms of wind strength. For instance, the storm in Santa Clara had wind speeds close to the threshold for a Category 1 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale.
What precautions should be taken during severe storms?
During severe storms, it is crucial to stay informed through official weather reports, secure loose objects, and avoid unnecessary travel. Taking shelter in a sturdy building and having emergency supplies on hand is also recommended.