Tropical Storm Oscar has dissipated after causing six fatalities in Cuba and heavy rains before heading towards the Bahamas. It made history as the smallest hurricane on record. The storm raised concerns about flooding while forecasts predict continued hurricane activity in the Atlantic this season.
Tropical Storm Oscar has dissipated as it moved towards the Bahamas, following its impact in Cuba where it made landfall as a Category 1 hurricane. The storm resulted in the unfortunate deaths of at least six individuals and caused significant rainfall across the region, compounding challenges for Cuba, which is currently experiencing a severe power outage. On Tuesday afternoon, the remnants of Oscar were positioned approximately 75 miles east-southeast of Long Island, Bahamas, with sustained winds diminishing to 35 mph. The storm system is expected to bring up to four inches of rain to southeastern Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands. Oscar has distinguished itself in meteorological history, being recognized as the smallest hurricane recorded, with a wind field spanning only six miles—a characteristic that surprised forecasters when it made landfall on Grand Inagua Island before striking eastern Cuba. Michael Lowry, a hurricane specialist, remarked on the unpredictable nature of Oscar, stating, “It’s not often we see a colossal failure in hurricane forecasting,” emphasizing that no predictive models suggested the storm would escalate to hurricane status. In Cuba, Oscar unleashed over 15 inches of rain along parts of eastern regions, prompting alerts for potential flooding and landslides. The fatalities occurred in Guantánamo, an area already strained by ongoing turmoil due to a recent massive blackout, which has led to civil unrest. Oscar represented the 15th named storm and the 10th hurricane in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which extends from June 1 to November 30. There are predictions of another storm emerging in the central Caribbean shortly. According to forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, this Atlantic hurricane season is anticipated to exceed average activity levels, with projections of 17 to 25 named storms, including four to seven major hurricanes of Category 3 or higher. As Oscar’s remnants continued their path, another storm, named Kristy, had formed in the eastern Pacific Ocean, strengthening into a hurricane without an imminent threat to land.
The Atlantic hurricane season occurs annually from June 1 to November 30 and is characterized by the development of tropical storms and hurricanes. Each season presents significant risks to coastal areas, particularly affecting nations like Cuba and the Bahamas, which are frequently impacted by severe weather events. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) closely monitors these storms, providing predictions based on ocean temperatures, atmospheric conditions, and historical data. Tropical Storm Oscar, notable for the loss of life it caused in Cuba, highlights the unpredictable nature of storm forecasting, particularly regarding small yet potent hurricane formations.
In summary, Tropical Storm Oscar transitioned to a post-storm state while heading towards the Bahamas, having caused six fatalities in Cuba amid significant rainfall and existing power challenges. As the Atlantic hurricane season progresses, further storm developments are anticipated, with experts predicting above-average activity levels. This incident not only underscores the risks posed by tropical storms and hurricanes but also the need for improved forecasting methods to anticipate sudden changes in storm intensity.
Original Source: apnews.com
