Tropical Storm Oscar, following its landfall in Cuba as a Category 1 hurricane, is moving toward the Bahamas, causing at least six fatalities due to severe rainfall. It has been noted as the smallest recorded hurricane, surprising meteorologists with its unexpected intensification. A tropical storm warning is in effect for the central and southeastern Bahamas, while the NOAA anticipates more storm activity throughout the season.
Tropical Storm Oscar advanced toward the Bahamas on Tuesday following its landfall in Cuba as a minimal Category 1 hurricane. The storm resulted in the tragic loss of at least six lives due to severe rains affecting an island already enduring widespread power outages. As of Tuesday morning, Oscar was positioned approximately 45 miles (75 kilometers) south-southeast of Long Island, Bahamas, exhibiting winds of 40 mph (65 kph) while proceeding north-northeast at 12 mph (19 kph), as reported by the National Hurricane Center based in Miami. The agency characterized Oscar as “at best barely a tropical storm at this time.”expected to release up to 5 inches (13 centimeters) of rain throughout the southeastern Bahamas, with isolated regions potentially receiving up to 8 inches (20 centimeters). A tropical storm warning has been issued for central and southeastern Bahamas territories. Notably, Oscar has set a record as the smallest hurricane ever documented, with a wind field spanning merely 6 miles (10 kilometers). Its unanticipated intensification took many meteorologists by surprise, particularly as it made landfall at Grand Inagua Island in the Bahamas on Saturday, followed by a second strike on eastern Cuba late Sunday. Dr. Michael Lowry, a distinguished hurricane specialist, remarked, “It’s not often we see a colossal failure in hurricane forecasting,” highlighting the inadequacies in predictive modeling concerning Oscar’s development into a hurricane. As Oscar produced more than 15 inches (38 centimeters) of rainfall across parts of eastern Cuba on Monday, meteorological authorities cautioned against flooding and possible landslides. The fatalities occurred in Guantánamo. The hurricane struck Cuba amidst recovery efforts from a significant blackout, which had triggered minor protests and a stern government warning against civil unrest. Oscar marks the 15th named storm and the 10th hurricane of the current Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) had predicted an above-average hurricane season, forecasting between 17 to 25 named storms and approximately four to seven major hurricanes of Category 3 or greater. At the same time, Tropical Storm Kristy was observed over open waters in the Pacific Ocean, located 375 miles (605 kilometers) west-southwest of Acapulco, Mexico. Kristy displayed maximum sustained winds of 50 mph (85 kph) and was tracking west-northwest at 15 mph (24 kph), with expectations of evolving into a hurricane by the evening.
The topic of Tropical Storm Oscar and its impact centers around the severe weather patterns affecting the Caribbean region, specifically the Bahamas and Cuba. The Atlantic hurricane season is characterized by heightened storm activity from June to November. This year, NOAA has predicted an elevated level of hurricane occurrences, largely due to unusually warm ocean temperatures contributing to storm formation and intensity. The impacts of Tropical Storm Oscar reveal significant interactions between natural disasters and socio-political dynamics, considering the recent blackout in Cuba that accentuated vulnerabilities within the communities.
In summary, Tropical Storm Oscar has made its presence felt in the Caribbean, causing substantial rainfall and fatalities, particularly in Cuba, while progressing toward the Bahamas. The storm’s unexpected intensification and historical significance as the smallest hurricane recorded highlights the challenges in meteorological forecasting. As the Atlantic hurricane season continues, the potential for increased storm activity underscores the need for preparedness and resilience in affected regions.
Original Source: apnews.com
