Tropical Storm Oscar Approaches the Bahamas After Causing Fatalities in Cuba
Tropical Storm Oscar has moved towards the Bahamas after impacting Cuba as a Category 1 hurricane, resulting in at least six fatalities due to heavy rains. As it approaches the Bahamas, Oscar’s maximum sustained winds have diminished, and rainfall warnings are in effect. Meteorologists note the storm’s unexpected strength and its record-small size, amidst predictions for further activity in the Atlantic this hurricane season.
Tropical Storm Oscar has progressed toward the Bahamas following a devastating landfall in Cuba as a Category 1 hurricane, which resulted in the tragic loss of at least six lives. The tropical storm was reported to be situated approximately 70 miles (110 kilometers) east-southeast of Long Island in the Bahamas on Tuesday morning. Currently, Oscar exhibits maximum sustained winds of 40 mph (65 kph) and is moving northeast at 12 mph (19 kph), as per the National Hurricane Center in Miami. The storm’s trajectory suggests a potential rainfall of up to 4 inches (10 centimeters) across the southeastern Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands, prompting a tropical storm warning for these areas. Notably, Oscar has made history as the smallest hurricane on record, featuring a wind field of only about 6 miles (10 kilometers) in diameter. Its unexpected intensification caught meteorologists off guard, as no forecasting models predicted Oscar’s escalation to hurricane status. During its impact, Oscar released at least 15 inches (38 centimeters) of rainfall in various parts of eastern Cuba, where forecasters have issued alerts for heavy flooding and possible landslides. The six fatalities were reported in Guantánamo, underscoring the storm’s grave consequences. This storm coincided with Cuba’s ongoing struggle to recover from a significant power outage, which had incited minor protests and resulted in stern government admonitions against civil unrest. Oscar is identified as the 15th named storm and the 10th hurricane of the current Atlantic hurricane season, which spans from June 1 to November 30. Long-range weather models suggest the development of another storm in the central Caribbean in approximately one week. As noted by Michael Lowry, a hurricane specialist, it is rare to witness such a substantial error in hurricane forecasting, emphasizing the unpredictability of hurricane patterns this season. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has projected an above-average Atlantic hurricane season attributed to record-warm ocean temperatures, estimating that between 17 to 25 named storms could occur before the season concludes, with an expectation of four to seven major hurricanes of Category 3 or higher.
Tropical Storm Oscar represents a significant meteorological event during the Atlantic hurricane season, yielding notable impact on both Cuba and the Bahamas. Initially making landfall as a Category 1 hurricane, Oscar’s presence has been felt not only through the severe rainfall and resultant fatalities but also against the backdrop of a massive power outage in Cuba. This period is characterized by heightened hurricane activity due to warmer ocean conditions, leading to increased storm developments.
In summary, Tropical Storm Oscar has inflicted severe damage in Cuba before heading toward the Bahamas, leading to fatalities and widespread rainfall. The storm’s unexpected intensification and its record-small size highlight the complexities of hurricane forecasting. As the Atlantic hurricane season progresses, meteorological experts anticipate additional storm developments and continue to monitor the impact of climate conditions on hurricane frequency and intensity.
Original Source: triblive.com
