Tropical Storm Oscar is heading towards the Bahamas after impacting Cuba and causing six fatalities. It is the smallest recorded hurricane and is expected to bring heavy rainfall to the region. The storm has highlighted forecasting challenges, with predictions suggesting more storm activity in the Atlantic this season.
Tropical Storm Oscar is currently advancing towards the Bahamas after making landfall as a Category 1 hurricane in Cuba, resulting in at least six fatalities. The storm delivered significant rainfall to an island that was already grappling with a previous widespread power outage. As of Tuesday morning, Oscar was positioned approximately 70 miles (110 kilometers) east-southeast of Long Island in the Bahamas, sustaining winds of 40 mph (65 kph) and progressing northeast at 12 mph (19 kph), as reported by the National Hurricane Center based in Miami. The storm is expected to produce up to 4 inches (10 centimeters) of precipitation across the southeastern Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands, prompting a tropical storm warning for the southeastern Bahamas. Notably, Oscar is distinguished as the smallest hurricane on record, with a wind field measuring only about 6 miles (10 kilometers) across. Its landfall on Grand Inagua Island in the Bahamas on Saturday, followed by a second landfall in eastern Cuba late Sunday, surprised meteorologists due to a lack of predictive indications that the storm would escalate into a hurricane. Michael Lowry, a hurricane specialist and expert on storm surges commented, “It’s not often we see a colossal failure in hurricane forecasting,” highlighting the unexpected strengthening of Oscar. In Cuba, the storm unleashed at least 15 inches (38 centimeters) of rainfall across eastern regions, raising alarms about severe flooding and potential landslides. The fatalities reported occurred in Guantánamo. This disaster coincided with Cuba’s ongoing recovery from a significant blackout that had recently incited minor protests, which the government sternly warned could face punitive measures. Oscar is categorized as the 15th storm and the 10th hurricane of the current Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30. Meteorological models also predict further storm activity, indicating a potential new storm could develop in the central Caribbean within a week’s time. Michael Lowry stated, “One last gasp may be in store for the Atlantic as we turn the calendar to November.” The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) had previously predicted an above-average hurricane season for the Atlantic due to historically high ocean temperatures, forecasting 17 to 25 named storms and 4 to 7 major hurricanes of Category 3 or higher this year. Concurrently, Tropical Storm Kristy is observed over open waters in the Pacific Ocean, situated 470 miles (755 kilometers) west-southwest of Acapulco, Mexico, with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph (95 kph) and a westward movement of 16 mph (26 kph). It is anticipated that Kristy may intensify into a hurricane by the evening on Tuesday.
The Atlantic hurricane season, which spans from June 1 to November 30, encompasses the formation of tropical storms and hurricanes, often resulting in significant weather impacts across the Caribbean and eastern United States. Tropical Storm Oscar has drawn attention due to its unexpected transition from a tropical storm to a hurricane and its record as the smallest hurricane based on wind field size. In addition, Cuba has been facing infrastructural challenges that complicate recovery efforts during such meteorological events. The season has seen heightened activity attributed to exceptionally warm ocean temperatures, which fuel storm formation and intensification, prompting forecasters to predict above-average storm numbers for the year.
In summary, Tropical Storm Oscar poses a serious threat as it approaches the Bahamas following its devastating impact in Cuba, where it caused loss of life and severe rainfall. With forecasts indicating additional storm developments, the Atlantic region must remain vigilant. The unexpected behavior of Oscar highlights challenges in hurricane forecasting, reinforcing the need for ongoing monitoring given current climatic conditions. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s projections further emphasize the increased likelihood of significant storm activity as the season continues.
Original Source: triblive.com
