Cuba: Lingering transport and business disruptions likely after heavy rainfall and hailstorms impact western provinces March 22-23

Transport and business disruptions will likely affect parts of western Cuba over the short term after heavy rainfall and hailstorms were reported in much of the region from late March 22 into March 23. An extratropical low reportedly brought the heavy precipitation to the country and knocked out power to some 270,000 customers in the capital, Havana, and the provinces of Pinar del Rio, Artemisa, Mayabeque, and Matanzas. Flooding, landslides, and evacuations have been reported in some affected areas. Officials did not immediately report any deaths in connection with the severe weather.

The Institute of Meteorology of the Republic of Cuba (Instituto de Meteorologia de la Republica de Cuba, INSMET) has cautioned that heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, strong winds, and hail may continue to impact parts of western and central Cuba over the coming hours. Authorities also warned that flooding is possible in low-lying areas and locations with poor stormwater drainage capacities. INSMET will likely update its forecasts over the coming days.

Additional rainfall could trigger further flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Further urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides remain possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rainfall has saturated the soil. Additional power outages and disruptions to telecommunications services are likely where significant flooding, landslides, or strong winds impact utility networks.

Floodwaters and debris flows could render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.

Severe weather could also trigger intermittent flight delays and cancellations at airports in the affected regions. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas that experience heavy rainfall and track inundation.