Tropical Storm Oscar approached the Bahamas on Tuesday after making landfall in Cuba as a Category 1 hurricane, leading to six fatalities and significant rainfall. The storm recorded a historical minimum wind field and caught forecasters by surprise as it intensified into a hurricane. Concurrently, Tropical Storm Kristy was situated in the Pacific, expected to strengthen into a hurricane.
Tropical Storm Oscar progressed toward the Bahamas on Tuesday after striking Cuba as a Category 1 hurricane, resulting in at least six fatalities due to its heavy rainfall, while Cuba also grappled with ongoing power outages. As of Tuesday morning, Oscar was situated approximately 45 miles (75 kilometers) south-southeast of Long Island in the Bahamas, exhibiting winds of 40 mph (65 kph), and moving in a north-northeast direction at 12 mph (19 kph), as reported by the National Hurricane Center located in Miami. The National Hurricane Center indicated, “Oscar is at best barely a tropical storm at this time.” Forecasters anticipated that the storm would deposit as much as 5 inches (13 centimeters) of rain throughout the southeastern Bahamas, with localized areas possibly receiving up to 8 inches (20 centimeters). Consequently, a tropical storm warning has been issued for the central and southeastern portions of the Bahamas. Remarkably, Oscar holds the distinction of being the smallest hurricane ever recorded, with a wind field spanning only about 6 miles (10 kilometers). Its landfall on Grand Inagua Island in the Bahamas on Saturday and in eastern Cuba late on Sunday managed to catch many experts off guard. Michael Lowry, a hurricane specialist and expert in storm surges, noted, “It is not often we see a colossal failure in hurricane forecasting”. He remarked that no predictive models had suggested that Oscar would ascend to hurricane status. In Cuba, the storm unleashed at least 15 inches (38 centimeters) of rainfall in segments of eastern Cuba as of Monday, prompting dire warnings concerning potential flooding and landslides. Tragically, the six deaths were reported in the region of Guantánamo. The storm struck amid Cuba’s efforts to recuperate from a significant blackout, which had instigated minor protests and triggered warnings from the government against any civil unrest. Oscar is recorded as the 15th named storm and the 10th hurricane of the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which spans from June 1 to November 30. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has projected an above-average Atlantic hurricane season for the current year due to unprecedented ocean temperatures, forecasting between 17 to 25 named storms and 4 to 7 major hurricanes measuring Category 3 or higher before the season’s conclusion. In addition, Tropical Storm Kristy was observed swirling over open ocean waters in the Pacific, positioned 375 miles (605 kilometers) west-southwest of Acapulco, Mexico, and displaying maximum sustained winds of 50 mph (85 kph), while moving west-northwest at a speed of 15 mph (24 kph). It is expected that Kristy will evolve into a hurricane by Tuesday night.
The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 to November 30 each year. During this period, tropical storms and hurricanes frequently develop in the Atlantic Ocean, posing significant threats to coastal regions. The impacts can be devastating, leading to loss of life, infrastructure damage, and prolonged power outages. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration monitors and predicts storm activity, providing forecasts and warnings for storms like Oscar and Kristy. Hurricanes are categorized based on their wind speed, with Category 1 storms characterized by sustained winds of 74 to 95 mph, while tropical storms have winds ranging from 39 to 73 mph. Unpredictability in storm behavior, as seen in Oscar’s unexpected intensification, highlights the challenges meteorologists face in forecasting and preparedness efforts.
In summarizing the events surrounding Tropical Storm Oscar, it is evident that the storm not only caused significant rainfall and fatalities in Cuba but also poses further threats to the Bahamas. The unprecedented nature of Oscar’s size and formation exemplifies the complexities of hurricane predictions. Amidst the ongoing challenges faced by Cuba, including recovery from widespread blackouts, the storm’s impact will require close monitoring and continued resilience from affected communities. Furthermore, with forecasts indicating an above-average hurricane season, vigilance remains essential in managing potential future storms.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
