Hurricane Milton has unleashed dramatic waves along Havana's Malecón, where the impact of the hurricane is already being felt. The storm, expected to make landfall in the United States tonight, has caused significant swells along the popular avenue, leading authorities to ban vehicle traffic due to initial flooding concerns.
Within the Facebook group "Maravilloso Malecón," numerous users have posted photos and videos capturing the massive water surges breaching the seawall and reaching nearby streets. "Here's how our Havana Malecón looked around 10:00 am. It's expected to worsen during high tide around 3:00 pm, affecting the area from G Street to Paseo, and the side streets connecting 1st Avenue and A Street," reported user Daryl R. Álvarez.
Sea Intrusion and Flooding Concerns
By Wednesday morning, sea intrusion had already led to some flooding in the low-lying areas of El Vedado. Unlike typical flooding from excessive rainfall, this situation is primarily driven by the strong swells forecasted by the Meteorological Institute for the western provinces throughout the day.
Impact Beyond Havana
Besides affecting Havana, Hurricane Milton has also created adverse conditions in Pinar del Río, Artemisa, Mayabeque, and the Isle of Youth. The hurricane's impact includes gusty winds, formidable waves, and intermittent showers linked to its outer bands.