Tropical Storm Oscar’s Devastation in Cuba and Diminishment Near the Bahamas

Tropical Storm Oscar has dissipated after striking Cuba as a Category 1 hurricane, leading to at least six fatalities and heavy rainfall. The storm made history as the smallest recorded hurricane, surprising forecasters with its intensity. As Oscar weakens, meteorologists are preparing for potential new storm developments in the Caribbean.

Tropical Storm Oscar has disintegrated as it approached the Bahamas, following its disastrous impact on Cuba where it made landfall as a Category 1 hurricane, resulting in the death of at least six individuals and causing significant rainfall over the island. On Tuesday afternoon, the remnants of Oscar were situated approximately 75 miles east-southeast of Long Island in the Bahamas, with maximum sustained winds diminished to 35 mph and moving Northeast at 12 mph, as reported by the National Hurricane Center in Miami. The storm’s remnants are anticipated to deliver up to four inches of rain across southeastern Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands. Notably, Oscar has made history as the smallest recorded hurricane, with a wind field measuring only six miles in diameter. Its unpredictability was evident as it made landfall on Grand Inagua Island in the Bahamas on Saturday, followed by a second landfall in eastern Cuba late on Sunday before veering back towards the Bahamas. Michael Lowry, a hurricane specialist, remarked on the inadequacies in hurricane forecasting, stating that “it’s not often we see a colossal failure in hurricane forecasting” as no models had foreseen Oscar’s transformation into a hurricane. On Monday, Oscar unleashed up to 15 inches of rain in parts of eastern Cuba, prompting warnings of severe flooding and potential landslides, particularly impacting the Guantánamo region where the fatalities occurred. This devastating event coincided with Cuba’s struggle to recover from a significant blackout that had previously incited protests, leading to a stringent government warning against any civil disorder. Oscar has been categorized as the 15th named storm and the 10th hurricane of the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30. Additionally, meteorologists are predicting the possibility of another storm developing in the central Caribbean within a week, with forecasts suggesting that the Atlantic could experience increased activity as it transitions into November, as noted by Lowry. In a separate development, Hurricane Kristy has intensified in the eastern Pacific Ocean, currently posing no threat to land, being situated 590 miles west-southwest of Acapulco, Mexico, with maximum sustained winds reaching 75 mph and moving westwards at 18 mph.

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30 each year, during which numerous storms can arise, some escalating into hurricanes. Tropical Storm Oscar, the 15th named storm of the season, made its presence felt by impacting Cuba directly, where it resulted in fatalities and widespread rain that exacerbated the existing humanitarian issues related to power outages. This season has been marked by above-average storm activity, predicted due to unusually warm ocean temperatures. Meteorological predictions also indicate potential future storm developments, suggesting heightened vigilance in the coming weeks.

In summary, Tropical Storm Oscar has transitioned into remnants as it approached the Bahamas after wreaking havoc in Cuba, resulting in fatalities and severe rainfall. The situation underscores the challenges of accurately forecasting hurricane behavior, as exemplified by the unexpected intensity of Oscar. Furthermore, the backdrop of Cuba’s power crisis adds complexity to this disaster, highlighting significant socio-political tensions. Meteorological experts continue to monitor potential future storm developments in the Caribbean, emphasizing the importance of preparedness in the Atlantic hurricane season.

Original Source: apnews.com