Cuba: Residents of low-lying areas evacuated ahead of twin storms on August 22 /update 1

Event

Some residents of low-lying areas of Las Tunas and other areas in the east of Cuba have been evacuated on Sunday night, August 23. Tropical storms Marco and Laura are forecast to affect Cuba's western and eastern provinces and create dangerous weather and sea conditions and flooding on Sunday.

On Sunday, Tropical Storm Laura is forecast to affect central provinces and Havana as it moves from the east to the capital. Weather conditions are forecast to deteriorate in eastern Cuba on Sunday afternoon with stronger winds and heavy rain. Those in the country can monitor forecasts on the National Hurricane Center (NHC) website. The provinces of Ciego De Avila, Sancti Spiritus, Villa Clara, Cienfuegos, Matanzas, Mayabeque, La Habana, Artemisa, and Pinar Del Rio are under a tropical storm watch, while a tropical storm warning is in effect for the Camaguey, Las Tunas, Holguin, Guantanamo, Santiago de Cuba, and Granma provinces.

Heavy rainfall and associated flooding are possible over the coming days, along with associated disruptions to business and transport.

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.

Advice

Those in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, anticipate possible transportation disruptions and power outages, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.