The US Department of State (DOS) issued a “Level 3” travel advice for Cuba on Tuesday, November 5.

The advisory states that American tourists should reconsider their visit to the popular Caribbean country due to Hurricane Rafael. Any non-emergency directly hired U.S. employees, their family members or U.S. citizens currently in Cuba must leave immediately, according to the DOS.

“U.S. citizens in Cuba who need immediate emergency services should contact local authorities,” the notice says.

Tropical Storm Rafael It strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane on Tuesday, the Associated Press reported at 8:15 p.m., as it passed over the Cayman Islands and moved toward western Cuba.

The storm was located 20 miles southeast of Little Cayman in the Cayman Islands on Tuesday morning. It had maximum sustained winds of 75 mph and was moving northwest at 15 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami.

The National Hurricane Center in Miami told the outlet it expected “steady to rapid intensification” of Rafael over the next 24 to 36 hours.

Those who still choose to travel to Cuba should take the following precautions:

If you decide to travel to Cuba:

• Follow the instructions of local civil defense authorities and monitor local media for developments.
• Stay up to date on weather, road and water conditions through local and US sources, such as the National Hurricane Center
• Find a safe haven
• Check with airlines for flight changes.
• Inform friends and loved ones about your location.

You can find more information about traveling to Cuba in the country information page on the DOS website.