26 May 2018 | 03:53 PM UTC
Cuba: Subtropical Storm Alberto to drench Pinar del Río May 26
Subtropical Storm Alberto to produce heavy rainfall over Pinar del Río May 26; consequent floods and mudslides possible in the coming hours
Event
Subtropical Storm Alberto is forecast to produce heavy rainfall over Cuba's western province of Pinar del Río beginning Saturday, May 26. As of 11:00 (local time), the US-based National Hurricane Center reported that the center of Alberto was located around 21.6 N, 84.9 W, packing maximum sustained winds of 65 km/h (40 mph) and moving northward at 17 km/h (10 mph). The National Hurricane Center has issued a tropical storm warning for Pinar del Río, stating that 25-38 cm (10-15 in) of total rainfall is expected in western Cuba in the coming hours, with locally higher totals possible, before the storm tracks northward into the Gulf of Mexico and brings heavy rain to the US Gulf Coast beginning Sunday, May 27. Consequent flash flooding, mudslides, transportation disruptions, and power outages are possible in Pinar del Río in the coming hours.
Context
The official start to the Atlantic Hurricane Season is on June 1. The Atlantic Hurricane Season ends on November 30, with a peak in storm activity typically observed between mid-August and mid-October.
The 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season was marked by a series of highly destructive storms that struck the Caribbean region and the Gulf of Mexico, devastating a number of regions. According to current forecasts, the 2018 season is expected to be less intense.
Advice
Individuals present in Pinar del Río province are advised to keep abreast of local weather alerts and those from the National Hurricane Center, confirm travel reservations, avoid coastal areas due to the risk of flooding, and adhere to all advice issued by the local authorities.
In the event of flooding, 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 and foodstuffs discarded.
