Hurricane Rafael, which hit western Cuba as a Category 3 hurricane, knocked out the country’s power grid and caused massive waves and flooding in Havana. Forecasters warned of “life-threatening” storm surges, winds, and flash floods.

Massive waves lashed at the shores of Havana as sharp winds and rain whipped at the city’s historic center, leaving trees littered on flooded streets on Wednesday evening. Forecasters warned Rafael could bring “life-threatening” storm surges, winds and flash floods to western swaths of the island after it knocked out power and dumped rain on the Cayman Islands and Jamaica the day before. The extent of the damage was still unclear as of Wednesday night.

The storm was located 55 miles (90 kilometers) west-northwest of Havana on Wednesday. After plowing across the island, it slowed to a Category 2 hurricane. It had maximum sustained winds of 105 mph (170 kph) and was moving northwest at 13 mph (20 kph), according to the National Hurricane Center. The storm is bad news for Cuba, which is struggling with devastating blackouts while recovering from another hurricane two weeks ago that killed at least six people in the eastern part of the island. Earlier on Wednesday, the Cuban government issued an alert for the incoming storm while crews in Havana worked to fortify buildings and clear scraps from seaside areas in anticipation of flooding. Classes and public transport were suspended on parts of the Classes and public transport were suspended on parts of the island and authorities canceled flights in and out Havana and Varadero. Meanwhile, thousands of people in the west of the island were evacuated as a prevention measure. Silvia Pérez, a 72-year-old retiree living in a coastal area of Havana was among those scrambling to prepare. As other neighbors moved appliances and other furniture from ground floor homes, Pérez stocked up on water and food. “This is a night I don’t want to sleep through, between the battering air and the trees,” Pérez said. “I’m scared for my friends and family.”

Forecasters expected the storm to weaken over Cuba before emerging in the southeastern Gulf of Mexico as a hurricane. The U.S. State Department issued an advisory for Cuba on Tuesday afternoon, offering departure flights to non-essential staff and American citizens, and advising others to “reconsider travel to Cuba due to the potential impact of Tropical Storm Rafael.” On Tuesday morning, the Cuban Civil Defense called on Cubans to prepare as soon as possible, because when the storm makes landfall “it’s important to stay where you are.” A hurricane warning was in effect Wednesday for the Cuban provinces of Pinar del Rio, Artemisa, La Habana, Mayabeque, Matanzas and the Isle of Youth. A tropical storm warning was in effect for the Cuban provinces of Villa Clara,

A tropical storm warning was issued for the Cuban provinces of Villa Clara, Cienfuegos, Sancti Spiritus, and Ciego de Avila, as well as the lower and middle Florida Keys from Key West to west of the Channel 5 Bridge, and the Dry Tortugas. The storm on Tuesday knocked out power in some regions of Jamaica, causing flooding and landslides. The Jamaica Public Service, the island’s energy supplier, said in a statement late Tuesday that impassable roads were delaying staff from restoring power to several locations. Power outages were reported throughout the Cayman Islands following a direct hit late Tuesday, and schools remained closed on Wednesday. “While circumstances have eased on Grand Cayman, residents are encouraged to use great caution on the roads and near coastlines.

Power outages were reported throughout the Cayman Islands following a direct hit late Tuesday, and schools remained closed on Wednesday. “While conditions have improved on Grand Cayman, residents are advised to exercise extreme caution on the roads and near coastlines as rough seas and residual flooding risks may persist,” according to a release from the government. Heavy rain was also forecast to expand north into Florida and other southeast U.S. states over the middle to late portion of the week. The Hurricane Centre forecast that storm surges in Florida might reach 3 feet in the Dry Tortugas and 1 to 2 feet in the Lower Florida Keys. Tornadoes were also forecast in the Keys and southwestern Florida on Wednesday.

Rafael is the 17th named storm this season. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration estimated that the 2024 hurricane season would be above average, with 17 to 25 named storms. The prognosis called for up to 13 hurricanes, including four major hurricanes. An average Atlantic hurricane season produces 14 named storms, including seven hurricanes and three major hurricanes.