Tropical Storm Oscar is moving toward the Bahamas after striking Cuba as a Category 1 hurricane, resulting in six fatalities amidst heavy rains and ongoing power outages on the island. Previously caught by surprise by its unexpected growth into a hurricane, forecasters are now warning of potential flooding and landslides. The storm has set records for its size and coincides with predictions of an unusually active hurricane season.
Tropical Storm Oscar is advancing towards the Bahamas following its landfall in Cuba as a Category 1 hurricane, tragically resulting in the deaths of at least six individuals. The storm caused significant rainfall, exacerbating the situation on an island already grappling with a severe power outage. As of Tuesday morning, Oscar was situated approximately 70 miles (110 kilometers) east-southeast of Long Island in the Bahamas. The storm, which has been downgraded, featured maximum sustained winds of 40 mph (65 kph) and is moving northeast at a speed of 12 mph (19 kph), as reported by the National Hurricane Center in Miami. Forecasts indicate that the southeastern Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands may receive up to 4 inches (10 centimeters) of rain. A tropical storm warning is currently in effect for the southeastern Bahamas. Oscar is unprecedented in that it is recorded as the smallest hurricane, with a wind field measuring merely about 6 miles (10 kilometers) across. The storm caught meteorologists by surprise when it made landfall on Grand Inagua Island on Saturday and proceeded to make a secondary landfall in eastern Cuba late Sunday before making a noteworthy reversal back towards the Bahamas. Hurricane specialist Michael Lowry commented on the unusual nature of the storm, stating, “It’s not often we see a colossal failure in hurricane forecasting.” He further emphasized that forecasting models did not predict Oscar’s transformation into a hurricane. In Cuba, Oscar unleashed at least 15 inches (38 centimeters) of rain in certain areas, prompting warnings of severe flooding and the risk of landslides. The fatalities occurred in Guantánamo province. This storm surfaced as Cuba continues to recover from an extensive blackout, which has led to public unrest and a stringent government declaration that disturbances will be dealt with decisively. Oscar stands as the 15th named storm and the 10th hurricane in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which spans from June 1 to November 30. Furthermore, long-range meteorological models are predicting the potential formation of another storm in the central Caribbean within the next week, leading Lowry to mention that, “One last gasp may be in store for the Atlantic as we turn the calendar to November.” The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has projected that the Atlantic hurricane season will exceed average activity this year, attributing this forecast to record-high ocean temperatures. They expect to see between 17 and 25 named storms and between four to seven major hurricanes classified as Category 3 or above. Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Kristy is also active over open Pacific waters, located 470 miles (755 kilometers) west-southwest of Acapulco, Mexico, exhibiting maximum sustained winds of 60 mph (95 kph) and moving west at 16 mph (26 kph). Kristy is anticipated to reach hurricane status by Tuesday night.
Tropical Storm Oscar is a significant weather event within the context of the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season, which has been marked by an increased number of storms due to unusually warm sea temperatures. The storm serves as an illustration of meteorological unpredictability, as it evolved from a tropical storm to a hurricane unexpectedly. Oscar’s impact on Cuba has been especially profound, not only causing fatalities but also coinciding with a massive blackout that has led to social unrest on the island. This highlights the interconnectedness of natural disasters and human responses, particularly in regions with existing vulnerabilities.
In summary, Tropical Storm Oscar has transitioned towards the Bahamas after causing substantial devastation in Cuba, including six fatalities due to severe rainfall and flooding. The storm’s unexpected growth into a hurricane has raised significant discussions within the meteorological community regarding forecasting accuracy. As the season progresses, additional tropical disturbances may arise, warranting continued attention from forecasters and the public alike.
Original Source: gazette.com
