Cuba Faces Weaker Hurricane Paula

By Circles Robinson

HAVANA TIMES, Oct. 14 — Hurricane Paula is churning very close to the northwest coast of Pinar del Rio Province states the Cuban Meteorological Institute (INSMET) in its latest report issued at 6:00 a.m. EST on Thursday.

Tropical storm force winds and locally intense rains are predicted during Wednesday morning and afternoon mainly in the western part of Pinar del Rio and along the north coast.  Sea swells will also increase with coastal flooding possible by early Thursday, informs INSMET.

See the projected path of Hurricane Paula from INSMET and the National Hurricane Center in Miami.

At the time of the report Paula packs 120 kph (75 mph) winds and the center was located at 50 kms. (31 miles) north-northeast of Cape San Antonio, Cuba’s far western tip. The storm continues to be slow moving at 7 kph (4.3 mph)

For the coming 12-24 hours INSMET sees Paula moving first on a northeasterly path and then inclining in a more eastward direction, increasing its speed and gradually losing intensity.

INSMET forecasts that Hurricane Paula will drop to a Tropical Storm on Thursday afternoon as it comes very close to the northwest Pinar del Rio coastline.

The next advisory from the Cuban weather experts is due at 12 noon EST.