Tropical Storm Oscar, which impacted Cuba as a Category 1 hurricane, is moving towards the Bahamas after resulting in at least six deaths and heavy rainfall on the island. It is the smallest recorded hurricane, with predictions of significant rain expected in the Bahamas. Meanwhile, the Atlantic hurricane season is projected to be above average this year, with Tropical Storm Kristy forming in the Pacific.
On Tuesday, Tropical Storm Oscar was advancing towards the Bahamas after making landfall as a Category 1 hurricane in Cuba, resulting in at least six fatalities and heavy rainfall on the island that was concurrently dealing with a significant power outage. According to the National Hurricane Center based in Miami, Oscar was situated approximately 45 miles (75 kilometers) south-southeast of Long Island in the Bahamas, boasting winds of 40 mph (65 kph) and moving in a north-northeast direction at 12 mph (19 kph). While the center noted that Oscar was barely maintaining its status as a tropical storm, it was predicted to deposit as much as 5 inches (13 centimeters) of rain across the southeastern Bahamas, with isolated areas receiving up to 8 inches (20 centimeters). Consequently, a tropical storm warning was issued for the central and southeastern Bahamas. Oscar has the distinction of being the smallest hurricane on record, with a wind field measuring only about 6 miles (10 kilometers) across. Its landfall in Grand Inagua Island of the Bahamas on Saturday, followed by another landfall in eastern Cuba late Sunday, caught many experts off guard. Michael Lowry, a hurricane specialist and expert in storm surge, noted in an analysis, “It’s not often we see a colossal failure in hurricane forecasting,” emphasizing that no predictive models suggested Oscar would strengthen into hurricane status. The storm inflicted considerable rain on Cuba, with some regions receiving at least 15 inches (38 centimeters) on Monday and forecasters issuing warnings for severe flooding and potential landslides. Tragically, the six deaths reported occurred in Guantánamo. The impact of the storm was particularly poignant as Cuba was already grappling with the aftermath of a massive blackout that incited minor protests amidst a government warning against dissent. Oscar is recognized as the 15th named storm and 10th hurricane of the current Atlantic hurricane season, which spans from June 1 to November 30. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has indicated expectations for an above-average hurricane season this year, attributed to record-high ocean temperatures, forecasting between 17 to 25 named storms and 4 to 7 major hurricanes of Category 3 or higher before the season concludes. Concurrently, Tropical Storm Kristy was observed over the Pacific Ocean, located 375 miles (605 kilometers) west-southwest of Acapulco, Mexico, with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph (85 kph) and moving to the west-northwest at 15 mph (24 kph). Kristy was anticipated to reach hurricane status by Tuesday evening.
The article discusses Tropical Storm Oscar’s trajectory following its impact in Cuba, detailing its significant rainfall and the associated fatalities. It contextualizes the event within the broader framework of the Atlantic hurricane season, underscoring the implications of this year’s unusually warm ocean temperatures. The storm’s record-setting size and unexpected intensification, along with Cuba’s ongoing struggles with power outages, further highlight the compounded challenges faced by the region.
In summary, Tropical Storm Oscar emerged as a notable weather event, tragically claiming lives and resulting in significant rainfall in Cuba while progressing towards the Bahamas. The historical significance of being the smallest recorded hurricane, combined with failure in storm forecasting models, underscores the unpredictable nature of such weather phenomena. The ongoing Atlantic hurricane season is expected to be above-average, reinforcing the importance of preparedness and response measures in the face of escalating climatic challenges.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
