Tropical Storm Oscar weakened after causing severe damage in Cuba, leading to at least seven fatalities. As the storm headed toward the Bahamas, it became notable for being the smallest recorded hurricane. The situation in Cuba remains critical, compounded by previous power outages, while forecasts hint at the potential for additional storm activity in the Atlantic.
Tropical Storm Oscar diminished in intensity on Tuesday while heading toward the Bahamas, following its impactful landfall in Cuba as a Category 1 hurricane. The storm resulted in the unfortunate loss of at least seven lives and brought significant rainfall to an island already grappling with a massive power outage. As of Tuesday afternoon, the storm’s remnants were situated approximately 75 miles (115 kilometers) east-southeast of Long Island in the Bahamas, with maximum sustained winds reduced to 35 mph (55 kph) and a northeastward movement at 12 mph (19 kph) as reported by the National Hurricane Center in Miami. The remnants were projected to deliver an additional rainfall of up to 4 inches (10 centimeters) to the southeastern Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands. Notably, Oscar has earned the distinction of being the smallest recorded hurricane, possessing a wind field of merely about 6 miles (10 kilometers) wide. The storm’s trajectory surprised forecasters as it made landfall for the first time on Grand Inagua Island in the Bahamas on Saturday, followed by a secondary landfall in eastern Cuba late Sunday, before unexpectedly retracing its route back to the Bahamas. Michael Lowry, a hurricane specialist and storm surge expert, commented on the storm’s unusual behavior, stating, “It’s not often we see a colossal failure in hurricane forecasting,” adding that no predictive models indicated that Oscar would strengthen into a hurricane. In terms of impact, heavy rainfall was recorded across parts of eastern Cuba, with some areas receiving up to 15 inches (38 centimeters) of rain on Monday. This led to serious concerns regarding flooding and potential landslides. The seven fatalities attributed to the storm were confirmed in the Guantánamo province. This disaster occurred amid Cuba’s struggles to recover from a widespread blackout, which had incited minor protests and prompted stern warnings from the government about severe repercussions for any civil unrest. Oscar is recognized as the 15th named storm and the 10th hurricane of the current Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30. Long-range forecasting models have indicated the possibility of another storm developing in the central Caribbean within the next week, with Lowry suggesting that, “One last gasp may be in store for the Atlantic as we turn the calendar to November.” The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration had previously forecasted an above-average Atlantic hurricane season, driven by record-warm ocean temperatures, predicting between 17 to 25 named storms and four to seven major hurricanes of Category 3 or higher before the season concludes. In related developments, Hurricane Kristy has formed in the eastern Pacific Ocean, gaining strength and remaining offshore, with current maximum sustained winds at 75 mph (120 kph) and moving west at 18 mph (30 kph). Forecasts indicate Kristy will continue over open waters and pose no threat to land, with no coastal watches or warnings active at this time.
The article discusses the recent developments regarding Tropical Storm Oscar, which unexpectedly intensified into a hurricane and impacted Cuba, resulting in casualties and significant rainfall. Furthermore, it provides information on the storm’s journey and forecasts regarding the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, including the potential for future storms. It highlights the challenges faced by Cuba in recovering from the storm and also mentions another system, Hurricane Kristy, in the eastern Pacific Ocean that is currently not threatening land.
In summary, Tropical Storm Oscar has transitioned into an inactive state following its landfall in Cuba, where it caused tragic loss of life and extensive rainfall. The storm’s unexpected shift from a tropical storm to a hurricane surprised meteorologists, emphasizing the unpredictability of hurricane forecasting. The article concludes with an outlook on the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, suggesting continued vigilance as additional storm activity could soon develop.
Original Source: gvwire.com
