Cuba's electrical grid collapsed Wednesday as Hurricane Rafael struck, leaving millions without power and causing widespread damage across the island.

As Hurricane Rafael made landfall, the authorities evacuated at least 70,000 people whilst the powerful category-three storm wreaked havoc across the island.

With winds reaching 185 kilometres per hour, the storm is causing widespread disruption, knocking out power lines and crippling essential services like water and communications.

Cuba’s state-run grid operator cited high winds as the cause of a nationwide power outage affecting all 10 million residents, the second major blackout in less than a month.

The capital of 2 million people is especially vulnerable, with its densely packed homes and poor infrastructure.

Schools, public transport, and flights were suspended until further notice.

Farm provinces producing Cuba's prized tobacco for hand-rolled cigars are expected to take a near-direct hit from the hurricane.

The country's oil-fired power plants are obsolete, and struggle to keep the lights on.

The energy output has also suffered due to a decline in oil imports from Venezuela, Russia, and Mexico.

Forecasters predict Hurricane Rafael will likely move toward the western Gulf of Mexico later this week, although its exact trajectory remains unclear.

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