The National Civil Defense Staff released an advisory on Thursday in response to a tropical wave nearing the eastern Caribbean Sea, which may directly impact eastern Cuba in the coming days. According to the Forecast Center of the Institute of Meteorology (INSMET), this tropical wave lacks an organized structure but features scattered showers, rainfall, and thunderstorms. However, it is anticipated that within 12 to 24 hours, a broad area of low pressure could form near the Bahamas.
"Regardless of the system's development and future trajectory, its proximity to the eastern region raises the likelihood of precipitation from Camagüey to Guantánamo," the official report warns. This weather system emerges at a critical time for Cuba, as eastern regions are already grappling with severe drought conditions.
Given this situation, Civil Defense emphasized the importance of heightened hydrometeorological monitoring, especially in areas susceptible to flooding and landslides. Furthermore, it urged decision-makers to stay informed and provide continuous updates and guidance to the public through media and official social media channels, also utilizing alternative communication methods in hard-to-reach communities.
Latest Update from the National Hurricane Center
In alignment with the Cuban alert, the United States National Hurricane Center (NHC) has released its latest update on this system, identified as AL94. "Showers and thunderstorms continue to show signs of organization in association with a tropical wave located near Hispaniola and the Turks and Caicos Islands," reported the NHC. It added that low pressure formation is expected in the coming hours as the system moves towards the southeast of the Bahamas.
It is anticipated that this low could evolve into a tropical depression by the weekend, as it tracks northwest or north over the southwestern Atlantic. The U.S. agency forecasts heavy rainfall and wind gusts for regions like the Dominican Republic, Haiti, the Turks and Caicos Islands, and potentially eastern Cuba. "While there is significant uncertainty regarding the system's long-term path and intensity, the likelihood of impacts from wind, rain, and storm surge in parts of the southeastern U.S. coast is increasing," the meteorological center noted.
High Cyclonic Development Probability
According to the NHC, the tropical wave has a high chance (80%) of developing within 48 hours and a 90% chance over the next seven days, indicating a strong potential to become a significant tropical system. Cuban meteorological authorities have not yet issued a cyclone alert but are closely monitoring the phenomenon's progress. It is expected that the Cuban Institute of Meteorology will release additional reports or special advisories in the coming hours, depending on the system's development and potential impact on the national territory.
As the tropical wave's future behavior is determined, Civil Defense recommends:
- Closely following official meteorological reports from INSMET and Civil Defense communications.
- Taking extra precautions in areas prone to flooding, swollen rivers, or unstable slopes.
- Avoiding the spread of rumors or unverified information.
- Prioritizing human life safety over material possessions.
Key Questions on the Tropical Wave Threatening Eastern Cuba
What is the current status of the tropical wave near Cuba?
The tropical wave is currently located in the eastern Caribbean Sea, showing disorganized showers and thunderstorms. It is expected to potentially form a low-pressure area near the Bahamas soon.
How might the tropical wave impact Cuba?
The system's proximity is anticipated to increase the likelihood of rainfall across eastern Cuba, affecting areas from Camagüey to Guantánamo, which are already experiencing severe drought conditions.
What precautions is the Cuban Civil Defense recommending?
Civil Defense advises close monitoring of official weather reports, taking extra precautions in flood-prone areas, avoiding rumors, and prioritizing human safety over material goods.