Tropical Storm Oscar disintegrated while en route to the Bahamas after causing significant damage in Cuba, where it resulted in six deaths. Marking the smallest hurricane on record, Oscar demonstrated unexpected strength during landfall, leading to heavy rainfall and flooding. Concurrently, Tropical Storm Kristy developed in the Pacific Ocean, with potential hurricane formation anticipated.
Tropical Storm Oscar has dissipated as it progressed toward the Bahamas, having previously struck Cuba as a Category 1 hurricane. The storm resulted in the tragic loss of six lives and caused significant rainfall on the island, which was already grappling with an extensive power outage. On Tuesday afternoon, the remnants of Oscar were located approximately 75 miles east-southeast of Long Island in the Bahamas, with sustained winds diminishing to 35 mph. Moving in a northeast direction, the remnants are predicted to bring up to four inches of rain to the southeastern Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands. Oscar set a record as the smallest hurricane on record, with a wind field spanning merely six miles. Its landfall in Grand Inagua Island in the Bahamas on Saturday and a subsequent landfall in eastern Cuba on Sunday caught many meteorologists off guard, as no forecasting models forewarned of its intensification into a hurricane. Michael Lowry, a noted hurricane specialist, remarked, “It’s not often we see a colossal failure in hurricane forecasting.” The storm unleashed up to 15 inches of rain in parts of eastern Cuba on Monday, putting residents at risk of severe flooding and potential landslides. The fatalities occurred in Guantánamo, emphasizing the storm’s devastation amidst Cuba’s ongoing struggle with a massive power blackout, which had previously prompted small-scale protests. Oscar marked the 15th named storm and the 10th hurricane of the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30. Additionally, long-range forecasts suggest the potential development of another storm in the central Caribbean as early as next week. “One last gasp may be in store for the Atlantic as we turn the calendar to November,” stated Lowry. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration had forecast an above-average Atlantic hurricane season, estimating 17 to 25 named storms, including four to seven that could reach major hurricane status. Meanwhile, in the Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Kristy was noted to be active, situated 470 miles west-southwest of Acapulco, Mexico, with sustained winds of 60 mph and a westward movement of 16 mph, expected to develop into a hurricane that evening.
The article discusses Tropical Storm Oscar, highlighting its effects and trajectory after making landfall in Cuba. It places Oscar’s events within the context of the Atlantic hurricane season, which traditionally spans from June to November, and notes the historical statistics of the storm alongside the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s predictions regarding storm activity for the season. The article also touches on the broader implications and challenges faced by Cuba, including the power outages affecting recovery efforts, and briefly mentions concurrent storm developments in the Pacific.
Tropical Storm Oscar, which disintegrated while heading towards the Bahamas, wrought havoc on Cuba, causing fatalities and severe rainfall amidst existing power issues. With meteorological records indicating Oscar’s unprecedented characteristics, the storm exemplifies the unpredictability of hurricane forecasting. As the Atlantic hurricane season continues, indications of further storm activity, including Tropical Storm Kristy, highlight the continued risk for affected regions.
Original Source: www.ivpressonline.com
