A fierce local storm struck the city of Matanzas on Monday, bringing hail, powerful winds, heavy rainfall, and numerous lightning strikes, which resulted in power outages at two hospitals and several water pumping systems.
The storm occurred between 1:50 p.m. and 2:45 p.m., leaving multiple circuits out of service, as reported by Periódico Girón, citing statements from Alejandro Rodríguez Aspeitia, the director of the provincial Electric Company.
Meteorologist Henry Delgado Manzor described the weather event as a severe local storm, characterized by "pea-sized hail, strong winds with gusts exceeding 70 km/h, heavy rain, and frequent lightning strikes."
Impacts on Critical Infrastructure
Among the affected circuits were those powering the water pumps at Canímar and El Cocal, as well as those supplying the Military Hospital and the Faustino Pérez Hospital, the main healthcare facility in the province.
Due to the outage, the Faustino Pérez Hospital began receiving electricity from the Kilómetro and Naranjal circuits while crews worked to restore service. There were also reports of electrical issues in Cárdenas.
Community Reactions and Damage
The storm's effects were visible across various parts of the city, prompting many residents to turn to social media to share and describe the events.
"The center of Matanzas flooded... water came in under doors and windows. The drains got clogged," one resident recounted.
Another witness reported that the wind tore off the train station's roof, while a resident from Peñas Altas described the intensity of the rain: "You couldn't see the city or the bay."
The intense lightning also reportedly damaged household appliances. "The lightning was so strong, it destroyed the inverter at home, and we're not sure about the other appliances," shared one affected individual.
Unusual Hail and Weather Warnings
The hailstorm was another unexpected aspect that caught Matanzas residents by surprise. "Hailstones like we hadn't seen in a long time," commented one local. From San Luis, another observer reported seeing stones "the size of a mamoncillo and even larger."
Adverse weather conditions were expected to persist throughout the day. A warning issued on Monday highlighted frequent thunderstorms from Pinar del Río to Matanzas and the potential for more severe local storms in various provinces.
Hours later, another severe local storm was recorded in the eastern part of the country. The Provincial Meteorological Center of Las Tunas confirmed that around 4:50 p.m., a severe storm impacted the Molinet area in the Puerto Padre municipality, with "pea-sized hail, rain, wind, and abundant lightning."
Experts explained that the phenomenon was connected to a tropical wave passing through the Caribbean Sea, combined with local factors and the intense heat recorded during the day.
Understanding Severe Weather Events in Cuba
What caused the power outages in Matanzas?
The power outages in Matanzas were caused by a severe local storm that brought hail, strong winds, heavy rain, and numerous lightning strikes, impacting electrical circuits.
How did the storm affect local hospitals?
The storm disrupted power supply to the Military Hospital and the Faustino Pérez Hospital, necessitating alternative electricity sources while repair crews worked to restore service.
Were there any other areas affected by the severe weather?
Yes, in addition to Matanzas, another severe storm was reported in the eastern region of Cuba, affecting the Molinet area in the Puerto Padre municipality with similar weather conditions.