Cuba: Hurricane Irma expected to hit September 8

Event

Hurricane Irma strengthened into a Category 5 storm on Tuesday, September 5, as it continues to move northeast of the Caribbean, bringing winds up to 280 km/h (up to 175 mph). Affected areas could receive up to 25 cm (10 inches) of rain, which may cause flash flooding, landslides, and dangerous surf. According to the US National Hurricane Center (NHC), the hurricane is expected to grow stronger in the coming hours and days as it heads towards the Caribbean across the Atlantic Ocean.

The hurricane is expected to hit Cuba by Friday, September 8, and continue to affect the country through the weekend. Hazardous weather conditions including strong winds, heavy rains, and storm surges are forecast in Cuba starting Thursday, September 7. As a result, transport disruptions will likely occur in the coming days.

Context

Hurricane Irma is currently making its way through the Atlantic Ocean and nearing the Caribbean, as of September 5. Hurricane warnings are currently in place for the islands of Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla, Guadeloupe, Montserrat, St Kitts and Nevis, Saba, St Eustatius, Sint Maarten, St Martin, St Barths, British Virgin Islands, US Virgin Islands, and Vieques and Culebra. There is also a hurricane watch and tropical storm warning in Guadeloupe and a tropical storm watch in Dominica.

Advice

Individuals present in Cuba are advised to keep abreast of weather alerts, confirm travel reservations, avoid coastal and mountainous areas (risk of flooding and landslides), and adhere to all advice issued by the local authorities.

Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous; 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult. Finally, because floodwater may also contain wastewater or chemical products, wear boots and try to avoid any contact with the water. All items having come into contact with the water should be washed and disinfected. Dispose of any food that may have come into contact with floodwater.