Tropical Storm Oscar, having intensified from a Category 1 hurricane, is moving towards the Bahamas and has already caused significant damage in Cuba, including six fatalities and extensive rainfall that raised concerns about flooding and landslides. Oscar is noted for being the smallest hurricane recorded, with ongoing forecasts predicting above-average storm activity for the Atlantic hurricane season.
Tropical Storm Oscar progressed towards the Bahamas following its landfall in Cuba, where it had transformed into a Category 1 hurricane. The storm resulted in the unfortunate deaths of at least six individuals while causing significant rainfall across the affected regions. As of Tuesday morning, Oscar was situated approximately 45 miles south-southeast of Long Island in the Bahamas, with sustained winds recorded at 40 mph and moving north-northeast at 12 mph, as reported by the National Hurricane Center in Miami. At that time, the center noted that “Oscar is at best barely a tropical storm.” Forecasts indicated that the storm could unleash up to 5 inches of rain in the southeastern Bahamas, with localized areas potentially receiving up to 8 inches. The central and southeastern Bahamas remained under a tropical storm warning. Historically, Oscar is recognized as the smallest hurricane on record, having a wind field that spanned merely 6 miles. Experts were caught off guard by the storm’s rapid intensification, particularly after its unexpected landfall on Grand Inagua Island in the Bahamas and eastern Cuba soon thereafter. Michael Lowry, a hurricane specialist, expressed concern regarding the forecasting accuracy, stating, “It’s not often we see a colossal failure in hurricane forecasting,” highlighting that no predictive models indicated the potential for Oscar to strengthen into a hurricane. After the storm wreaked havoc in Cuba, areas received at least 15 inches of rain, raising alarm for flooding and landslides. The fatalities were reported in Guantánamo, a region that was already grappling with a major power outage, which had fueled public discontent and protests. Oscar is the 15th named storm and the 10th hurricane of the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has predicted above-average activity for this hurricane season, citing exceptionally warm ocean temperatures as a contributing factor. It is estimated there may be between 17 to 25 named storms and 4 to 7 major hurricanes by the end of the season. Concurrently, Tropical Storm Kristy was noted to be forming in the Pacific Ocean, with forecasts suggesting its potential evolution into a hurricane shortly thereafter.
The article discusses Tropical Storm Oscar, which has escalated into a dangerous weather event after initially impacting Cuba as a hurricane. This scenario is compounded by a pre-existing power crisis in Cuba and highlights a broader pattern of this year’s hurricane season, characterized by increased storm activity likely driven by climate factors. The significant impact of Oscar raises concerns not only for immediate hazards such as severe flooding and landslides but also for the socio-political dynamics in Cuba amid public discontent related to ongoing power issues.
In summary, Tropical Storm Oscar has presented severe challenges for the Bahamas and Cuba, resulting in fatalities, extensive rainfall, and worsening conditions amidst existing crises. The unexpected strengthening of the storm illustrates vulnerabilities in weather forecasting capabilities. As the Atlantic hurricane season continues, predictions of heightened storm activity necessitate preparedness and vigilance among affected populations.
Original Source: www.washingtontimes.com
