Cuba: Tropical Storm Eta makes landfall along south-central coast November 8 /update 1

Event

Tropical Storm Eta made landfall along the south-central coastline of Cuba early Sunday, November 8, bringing damaging storm surges, wind, and heavy rainfall to large portions of the country. The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) advisory as of 04:00 (EST) reports the storm approximately 80mi (129km) to the west of Camaguey and moving north at 12mph (19kph), with maximum sustained winds of 65mph (105kph). A turn to the northwest is expected later in the day with further strengthening over the coming days possible as the storm moves into warmer waters of the Florida Straits and Gulf of Mexico.  

Context

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from late May through to the end of November, with activity typically peaking in late August and early September. Numerous tropical storms form in the Atlantic Ocean during this period, with most affecting the Caribbean, the Gulf of Mexico, and the east coast of the United States. Although communities in the region are generally well prepared for adverse weather conditions during the hurricane season, severe storms bring a significant risk of flooding and infrastructural damage.

Organized tropical activity tends to peak in August and September. Storms tend to flood sections of highways and cause dirt-based roads to become temporarily impassable. More organized systems, depending on intensity, can prove catastrophic in terms of tidal surge, wind damage, flooding, and mudslides.

Advice

Those in Cuba are advised to monitor local weather reports, avoid areas directly affected by flooding, confirm road conditions before setting out, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.