The General Staff of the Cuban Civil Defense established today the Cyclonic Alarm Phase for the provinces of Pinar del Río, Artemisa, and the Special Municipality of Isla de la Juventud (East), starting at 6:00 p.m. (local time).

Havana, Cuba.- Taking into account the progressive deterioration of the weather conditions due to the passage of tropical storm Idalia near the western end of the island, it was decided to also decree the Alert phase for Mayabeque and Havana.

The provinces of central Cuba must remain attentive to the evolution of this cyclonic organism and adopt the measures that are necessary according to the particular situation of their territories, according to the statement of the Civil Defense (DC).

Likewise, it directed the population to stay informed through the national media and the official profiles of social media and to comply in a disciplined manner with the instructions given by the local authorities and the Civil Defense (DC).

The Institutes of Meteorology and Hydraulic Resources, in conjunction with the National General Staff of the DC, maintain vigilance over this cyclonic organism, the text stated.

According to the island’s Institute of Meteorology, Idalia could become a hurricane today as it approaches Cuban territory, with rainfall that will particularly affect the western half of the country, which could be intense in some locations.

An increase in the speed of the winds and storm surges is also expected on the southern coast of the western region, and coastal flooding that could be strong in some areas. (PL)