Tropical Storm Oscar weakened as it approached the Bahamas after making landfall in Cuba as a hurricane, resulting in at least seven fatalities. The storm surprised meteorologists with its intensity and is noted as the smallest recorded hurricane. Rainfall and flooding are ongoing concerns in affected areas, with predictions of additional storm activity in the Caribbean. Hurricane Kristy in the Pacific remains away from land but is strengthening.
Tropical Storm Oscar weakened significantly on Tuesday while en route to the Bahamas, following its devastation in Cuba, where it made landfall as a Category 1 hurricane. The storm resulted in the tragic loss of at least seven lives and triggered heavy rainfall, compounding challenges in an area already grappling with a severe power outage. On Tuesday afternoon, the remnants of Oscar were reported approximately 75 miles (115 kilometers) east-southeast of Long Island in the Bahamas, with maximum sustained winds reduced to 35 mph (55 kph). As the remnants progressed northeast at 12 mph (19 kph), they were predicted to bring up to 4 inches (10 centimeters) of rain to the southeastern Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands. Remarkably, Oscar was categorized as the smallest recorded hurricane, possessing a wind field of merely 6 miles (10 kilometers) across, which took forecasters by surprise when it made landfall in Grand Inagua Island in the Bahamas on Saturday and again in eastern Cuba late Sunday before executing a sudden U-turn back towards the Bahamas. Michael Lowry, a hurricane specialist, noted, “It’s not often we see a colossal failure in hurricane forecasting,” emphasizing that no models had anticipated Oscar’s transformation into a hurricane. In Cuba, Oscar dropped over 15 inches (38 centimeters) of rain in parts of eastern Cuba, leading to significant flooding and a risk of landslides. The fatalities occurred in the province of Guantánamo. This incident coincides with Cuba’s ongoing struggle to recover from a massive blackout that had previously sparked minor protests and prompted stern government warnings against dissent. Oscar marked the 15th named storm and the 10th hurricane of the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30. Long-range models suggest that another storm may emerge in the central Caribbean within approximately a week. As the Atlantic hurricane season progresses, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has predicted an above-average season due to record-high ocean temperatures, estimating 17 to 25 named storms and 4 to 7 major hurricanes of Category 3 or higher before the season concludes. Meanwhile, in the eastern Pacific, Hurricane Kristy is intensifying but is expected to remain offshore, currently situated 590 miles (950 kilometers) west-southwest of Acapulco, Mexico, and moving west at 18 mph (30 kph) with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph (120 kph). There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect for this system.
Tropical Storm Oscar emerged as a significant weather event in the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season. Its unexpected intensification into a hurricane caught meteorologists off guard, highlighting the complexities and challenges involved in hurricane forecasting. This storm not only inflicted tragedy in Cuba but also exemplified the ongoing difficulties faced in disaster response, notably against the backdrop of widespread power outages. Additionally, the implications of climate factors are becoming more apparent, as warmer ocean temperatures are closely correlated with increased hurricane activity. The Atlantic hurricane season, which officially runs from June 1 to November 30, is invariably shaped by these environmental conditions, underscoring the need for continuous monitoring and preparedness efforts.
In conclusion, Tropical Storm Oscar serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of tropical storms and hurricanes, underscoring the necessity for robust forecasting models and disaster response mechanisms. With seven lives tragically lost in Cuba and continuing weather impacts expected across the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands, the event illustrates the heightened risks associated with the current Atlantic hurricane season. Additionally, the forecasting difficulties and the potential for future storm developments emphasize the critical importance of sustained vigilance and preparedness in the face of a potentially active hurricane season.
Original Source: gvwire.com
