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 knocked out power to all of Cuba on Wednesday as it slammed into the cash-strapped island, which was still reeling from a recent blackout and a previous deadly storm. Rafael strengthened to a major Category 3 hurricane as it raced towards the Caribbean island of 10 million people.