Tropical Storm Oscar, which devastated Cuba and caused six fatalities, is now heading towards the Bahamas, bringing the threat of flooding and heavy rain. The storm has been noted for its unusual small size and intense behavior, surprising meteorologists and exacerbating Cuba’s power recovery situation. The Atlantic hurricane season continues to be active, with more storms anticipated based on current climatic trends.
Tropical Storm Oscar moved towards the Bahamas on Tuesday following its landfall in Cuba as a Category 1 hurricane. The storm resulted in the tragic loss of at least six lives while drenching the island with copious rainfall amidst an unrelated power outage situation. On Tuesday morning, Oscar was reported to be approximately 70 miles (110 kilometers) east-southeast of Long Island, Bahamas, with maximum sustained winds measured at 40 mph (65 kph). The storm was reportedly progressing northeastward at a speed of 12 mph (19 kph) as confirmed by the National Hurricane Center in Miami. Forecasters anticipated that the storm could potentially discharge up to 4 inches (10 centimeters) of rain across the southeastern Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands, prompting a tropical storm warning for that region. Oscar has gained notoriety for being the smallest recorded hurricane on record, boasting a wind field of merely 6 miles (10 kilometers). This unexpected behavior caught many meteorologists off guard, particularly as Oscar made an initial landfall in Grand Inagua Island, Bahamas, on Saturday before striking eastern Cuba late Sunday. Michael Lowry, a hurricane expert, remarked on the unusual circumstances, stating, “It is not often we see a colossal failure in hurricane forecasting,” acknowledging that no predictive models had foreseen Oscar’s intensification to hurricane status. In Cuba, Oscar’s effects were particularly severe, contributing at least 15 inches (38 centimeters) of rain to parts of eastern regions, leading officials to warn of significant flooding and potential landslides. The fatalities were reported in the province of Guantánamo. The timing of the storm exacerbated existing challenges in Cuba, as the nation sought to recover from a substantial blackout that had recently ignited small protests, prompting a governmental warning against civil unrest. Oscar marks the 15th named storm and the 10th hurricane this Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30. Forecasting models indicate the potential for another storm to emerge in the central Caribbean within approximately one week, leading Lowry to suggest that “one last gasp may be in store for the Atlantic as we turn the calendar to November.” The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) projected an above-average Atlantic hurricane season this year, driven by record-high ocean temperatures, estimating between 17 to 25 named storms by season’s end, with four to seven classified as major hurricanes of Category 3 or higher. Additionally, Tropical Storm Kristy continued to progress over open waters in the Pacific Ocean, located 470 miles (755 kilometers) west-southwest of Acapulco, Mexico, with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph (95 kph) and a westward motion of 16 mph (26 kph), with expectations of it developing into a hurricane by the evening.
The article discusses Tropical Storm Oscar, which has recently transitioned from a hurricane in Cuba to a tropical storm moving toward the Bahamas. This storm exemplifies the volatile nature of hurricane development and the forecasting challenges faced by meteorologists. The impact of Oscar on Cuba was significant, resulting in losses of life and property amid ongoing recovery from power outages. In a broader context, the Atlantic hurricane season has been projected to be particularly active this year due to climatic conditions, including warm ocean temperatures which contribute to the formation and intensity of storms. The discussion also touches on other storms, such as Tropical Storm Kristy, highlighting concurrent weather events in the Atlantic and Pacific regions.
Tropical Storm Oscar has exhibited unpredictable behavior, resulting in serious flooding and fatalities in Cuba before its trajectory shifted toward the Bahamas. Its size and unexpected intensification challenge conventional forecasting models, underscoring the complexities of hurricane prediction. As the Atlantic hurricane season remains active with a forecast of several more storms, the implications for affected regions call for heightened awareness and preparedness. Furthermore, as climate conditions evolve, ongoing monitoring and preparedness for severe weather events become increasingly critical for communities at risk.
Original Source: gvwire.com
