Tropical Storm Oscar Approaches Bahamas Following Impact on Cuba

Tropical Storm Oscar is advancing towards the Bahamas after making landfall in Cuba as a hurricane, resulting in at least six fatalities and heavy rainfall. Forecasting models were surprised by its strength, and the storm is expected to bring additional rain to the Bahamas. Concurrently, Tropical Storm Kristy is developing in the Pacific Ocean, with expectations of becoming a hurricane.

Tropical Storm Oscar advanced toward the Bahamas on Tuesday after impacting Cuba as a Category 1 hurricane, resulting in the tragic loss of at least six lives. The storm unleashed significant rainfall across Cuba, which was already grappling with a severe power outage. As of Tuesday morning, Oscar was positioned approximately 45 miles south-southeast of Long Island in the Bahamas, with sustained winds of 40 mph and moving north-northeast at a speed of 12 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center based in Miami. At this stage, the National Hurricane Center indicated that “Oscar is at best barely a tropical storm.” The storm is anticipated to deliver rainfall totaling up to 5 inches across the southeastern Bahamas, with localized areas possibly receiving up to 8 inches. A tropical storm warning remains in effect for the central and southeastern regions of the Bahamas. Oscar set a record as the smallest hurricane documented, with a wind field spanning only about 6 miles. Its strengthening into a hurricane caught many experts off guard, as it made landfall first on Grand Inagua Island in the Bahamas and again in eastern Cuba shortly thereafter. Michael Lowry, a hurricane specialist and expert in storm surge, remarked, “It’s not often we see a colossal failure in hurricane forecasting,” pointing out that forecasting models had not predicted Oscar’s emergence as a hurricane. As Oscar traversed eastern Cuba, it deposited at least 15 inches of rain in certain regions on Monday, prompting forecasters to alert of widespread flooding and potential landslides. The fatalities occurred in Guantánamo. This storm hit Cuba at a time when the nation was still reeling from a massive power outage that had led to minor protests and severe government warnings against unrest. Oscar marks the 15th named storm and the 10th hurricane of this Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration had forecasted an above-average hurricane season this year, noting record high ocean temperatures and predicting a total of 17 to 25 named storms, including 4 to 7 major hurricanes of Category 3 or higher. Additionally, Tropical Storm Kristy was noted to be developing over open Pacific waters, located 375 miles west-southwest of Acapulco, Mexico, with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph and moving west-northwest at 15 mph. Kristy was expected to evolve into a hurricane later that evening.

Tropical Storm Oscar serves as a striking example of the unpredictability of hurricanes, particularly given its record-setting classification as the smallest hurricane documented. The implications of such storms are dire, particularly for vulnerable locations such as Cuba, which has been simultaneously managing extensive power outages. The ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, marked by higher-than-average predictions, underscores the importance of preparedness and accurate forecasting, as evidenced by the unexpected turn of events regarding Oscar’s development into a hurricane.

In summary, Tropical Storm Oscar has exerted significant impact across Cuba and is now advancing towards the Bahamas. Its record-breaking size and unforecasted strength highlight challenges in hurricane prediction and underscore the importance of preparedness in the face of natural disasters. The implications for areas affected by flooding and power outages remain severe as the Atlantic hurricane season progresses with further threats anticipated.

Original Source: www.washingtontimes.com