The Category 3 storm knocked out the country's entire power grid just before making landfall, making it almost impossible for people to receive radio or television updates.

Hurricane #Rafael Advisory 12A: Rafael Becomes a Category Three Hurricane as it Nears the Coast of Western Cuba. Expected to Bring Life-Threatening Storm Surge, Damaging Hurricane-Force Winds, and Flash Flooding to Portions of Western Cuba. https://t.co/tW4KeGe9uJ

Hurricane Rafael slammed into the island's southwest shore, packing sustained winds of 115 mph (185 kph) and wreaking havoc on the already crisis-stricken country.