Storm Elsa becomes a Category 1 hurricane: threatens Cuba and Barbados, heads for Miami

Tropical Storm Elsa became a hurricane while it was located about 30 kilometers west-southwest of Barbados with maximum sustained winds of 120 kilometers per hour., reported this Friday by the US National Hurricane Center (CNH).

Heavy rain and winds hit Barbados as the hurricane made its way toward islands like Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, which are struggling to recover from recent volcanic eruptions. Elsa’s eye was about 120 kilometers (75 miles) east of San Vicente and was moving from west to northwest at a speed of 44 km/h (28 mph).

According to the planned course of this climatic phenomenon, His career will lead him to make an impact in Miami in the early days of next week. Before that, islands such as Cuba, Puerto Rico and others in the Caribbean were endangered.

Authorities in Havana on Thursday warned of the possibility of heavy and heavy rain that may accompany Elsa, which is currently advancing through the Caribbean seas and according to forecasts may reach the eastern region of the island this weekend.

These conditions will gradually transfer to the central and western regions of the Caribbean country, According to an “early warning” issued today by the Cuban Civil Defense, the residents are calling for attention to its directives and the reports of the Meteorological Institute (Insmet).

The memorandum notes the complexity of the current epidemiological situation due to COVID-19 and calls for the identification of planned safeguards to reduce the effects of natural disasters, which include evacuations, protection of economic resources and the collection of agricultural products, as well as actions on increasing hydrometeorological monitoring, among others.

Alert in Puerto Rico

The US Coast Guard on Thursday placed an X-ray alert for the ports of Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands due to the imminent passage of Tropical Storm Elsa into the Caribbean.

An X-Ray port alert, which still allows normal operations, is generated when Winds in excess of 60 km/h are expected within 48 hours.

Meanwhile, he asked to take “necessary precautions” and “stay alert” to any weather forecast and path of what is now called Hurricane Elsa..

During the case of X-Ray, port facilities are open to commercial traffic and all operations can continue as long as they remain in force. The statement mentions that All merchant ships over 500 tons must plan to leave port Those wishing to remain in the port should immediately contact the port authorities to submit a plan for the safe mooring.

The Coast Guard also advises recreational vessels to seek safe haven The marine community is warning to be vigilant and take necessary precautions as the storm approaches the waters of the eastern Caribbean.

Obviously, citizens are also advised to stay away from the beaches, because they remember that even the best swimmers can be victims of strong waves and currents caused by hurricanes.

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