In one day, Hurricane Sandy jumped from Category 1 to Category 2 and has killed at least one as she rages through the Caribbean.
The storm made landfall in Cuba early Thursday morning just south of Santiago De Cuba. Sandy has maximum sustained winds of 110 MPH with higher gusts.
Experts estimate that the storm will weaken a bit after crossing Cuba but will remain a hurricane that will continue to threaten the East Coast of the United States. Current storm models show Sandy turning inland near New Jersey on Saturday.
The US Marine base at Guantanamo Bay reportedly has lost power and all units are confined to quarters according to a report from Reuters.
Jamaica’s electric company reports that 70% of the country is without power due to the storm.
The name Sandy means “Defender of Mankind”. Could this storm be another harbinger?