Tropical Storm Oscar has moved toward the Bahamas after causing significant devastation in Cuba, with records showing at least six fatalities due to severe rain and floods. It is the smallest recorded hurricane in size and has prompted warnings of additional rainfall and flooding risks in its path.
Tropical Storm Oscar is currently progressing towards the Bahamas after striking Cuba as a Category 1 hurricane, resulting in the unfortunate loss of at least six lives due to severe rainfall. As of Tuesday morning, Oscar was located approximately 70 miles (110 kilometers) east-southeast of Long Island in the Bahamas, with reduced maximum sustained winds of 40 mph (65 kph) and a northeast movement at 12 mph (19 kph), according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami. Forecasters predict that the storm may release up to 4 inches (10 centimeters) of rain across the southeastern Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands, prompting a tropical storm warning for the region. Oscar has been noted for its unprecedented size, being the smallest recorded hurricane on record with a wind field spanning merely 6 miles (10 kilometers). Its behavior has been particularly surprising, making landfall first on Grand Inagua Island in the Bahamas and subsequently on eastern Cuba. Michael Lowry, a hurricane specialist, commented on this unpredictability by stating, “It’s not often we see a colossal failure in hurricane forecasting,” emphasizing the lack of forecasting models that predicted Oscar’s strengthening into a hurricane. In Cuba, Oscar’s impact was marked by as much as 15 inches (38 centimeters) of rainfall, leading to significant flooding risks and potential landslides. The fatalities were reported in Guantánamo. The storm exacerbated existing challenges as Cuba continues to recover from a major blackout that triggered small protests, which the government warned would not be tolerated. Oscar is noted as the 15th named storm and the 10th hurricane in the Atlantic hurricane season, which spans from June 1 to November 30. Forecasts suggest that another storm may emerge in the central Caribbean in approximately one week as the season approaches its close. Lowry further indicated, “One last gasp may be in store for the Atlantic as we turn the calendar to November.” Moreover, Tropical Storm Kristy is also active in the Pacific Ocean, situated 470 miles (755 kilometers) west-southwest of Acapulco, Mexico, possessing maximum sustained winds of 60 mph (95 kph) and displaying a westward motion at a speed of 16 mph (26 kph). Kristy is projected to intensify into a hurricane by the evening of Tuesday.
The article discusses Tropical Storm Oscar’s trajectory following its landfall in Cuba, where it caused significant fatalities and damage. It provides details on the storm’s size, behavior, and intensity, noting unusual forecasting challenges faced by meteorologists. Set against the backdrop of the Atlantic hurricane season, the article highlights Oscar as a notable event, alongside mentions of another ongoing storm, Tropical Storm Kristy, in the Pacific Ocean. This context serves to illustrate the current meteorological challenges and the effects on vulnerable regions such as Cuba and the Bahamas.
In summary, Tropical Storm Oscar has had a devastating impact on Cuba, resulting in at least six fatalities while advancing towards the Bahamas, where further flooding hazards are anticipated. The storm’s unusual characteristics have led to challenges in forecasting its development and behavior. As the Atlantic hurricane season continues, stakeholders are urged to remain vigilant and prepared for additional storms, including potential threats from Kristy in the Pacific. The current circumstances underscore the pressing need for accuracy in storm prediction and the importance of disaster preparedness in the face of climatic events.
Original Source: gvwire.com
