Tropical Storm Oscar Advances Toward the Bahamas Following Impact in Cuba

Tropical Storm Oscar, which formed as a Category 1 hurricane, is advancing towards the Bahamas, having caused at least six fatalities and significant rainfall in Cuba amidst its recovery from a massive blackout. The storm has been noted for its record-small size and unexpected strength, prompting warnings and predictions of continued adverse weather in affected areas.

Tropical Storm Oscar is progressing towards the Bahamas after striking Cuba as a Category 1 hurricane, resulting in at least six fatalities and significant rainfall on an island already grappling with a prior massive power outage. On Tuesday morning, Oscar was reported to be situated 45 miles (75 kilometers) south-southeast of Long Island, Bahamas, exhibiting sustained winds of 40 mph (65 kph) and advancing north-northeast at 12 mph (19 kph), as per the National Hurricane Center in Miami. The storm is described as barely maintaining its tropical storm status at this point. Forecasters predict that Oscar will produce up to 5 inches (13 centimeters) of rainfall across southeastern Bahamas, with localized areas potentially receiving up to 8 inches (20 centimeters). Consequently, a tropical storm warning is currently active for the central and southeastern regions of the Bahamas. Notably, Oscar has achieved the record of being the smallest hurricane on record, with a wind field measuring merely 6 miles (10 kilometers) across, and it unexpectedly made landfall on Grand Inagua Island in the Bahamas on Saturday before striking eastern Cuba late Sunday. Hurricane specialist Michael Lowry commented on the rarity of forecasting failures associated with Oscar’s unexpected intensification into a hurricane, noting, “It’s not often we see a colossal failure in hurricane forecasting.” Moreover, the storm unleashed at least 15 inches (38 centimeters) of rain in parts of eastern Cuba, with forecasters cautioning about extensive flooding and potential landslides in the region. The reported fatalities occurred in Guantánamo as presiding conditions compounded the recovery efforts from a recent massive blackout that incited minor protests and firm warnings from the government against any potential civil unrest. Oscar represents the 15th named storm and the 10th hurricane of the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which commences on June 1 and concludes on November 30. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has projected an above-average hurricane season due to unprecedented ocean temperatures, predicting between 17 to 25 named storms and four to seven major hurricanes of Category 3 or higher before the season’s end. Concurrently, in the Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Kristy was observed over open waters, positioned 375 miles (605 kilometers) west-southwest of Acapulco, Mexico, with maximum winds of 50 mph (85 kph), moving west-northwest at 15 mph (24 kph), and projected to develop into a hurricane by Tuesday evening.

The Atlantic hurricane season, which lasts from June 1 to November 30, has been marked by active storm development, significantly influenced by record ocean temperatures. Tropical Storm Oscar’s formation and path emphasizes the unpredictability of storm behavior and the challenges associated with hurricane forecasting. The storm’s rapid intensification to hurricane status surprised meteorologists and exacerbated existing vulnerabilities in affected regions, particularly in Cuba, which was already dealing with infrastructure challenges and public unrest due to a severe blackout. The ongoing season is anticipated to be particularly active, necessitating careful monitoring and preparedness efforts in the Caribbean and the Southeastern United States.

In summary, Tropical Storm Oscar has made a significant impact after transitioning from a hurricane to a tropical storm, causing fatalities and severe weather across Cuba and the Bahamas. The storm has highlighted critical issues related to hurricane forecasting accuracy and the vulnerabilities experienced by impacted regions, particularly amid ongoing recovery from infrastructure issues. The National Hurricane Center continues to monitor Oscar’s progress while issuing warnings to mitigate potential further impacts, reinforcing the need for heightened vigilance during the Atlantic hurricane season.

Original Source: apnews.com