Tropical Storm Oscar is making its way toward the Bahamas following its recent landfall in Cuba as a Category 1 hurricane that resulted in at least six fatalities so far.
The storm unleashed heavy rains on an island already grappling with a large power outage.
Oscar made history as the smallest recorded hurricane, with a wind field measuring only about six miles across before it was downgraded to a storm.
Windy.com
However, Oscar’s unexpected intensity caught many off guard, making landfall on Grand Inagua Island in the Bahamas on Saturday, and again in eastern Cuba late on Sunday.
NOAA/AP
In eastern Cuba, the storm dropped at least 15 inches of rain on Monday, prompting warnings of severe flooding and possible landslides. The six reported deaths occurred in Guantánamo, a region already facing challenges due to a recent widespread blackout that has led to small protests and government warnings against unrest.
Oscar marks the 15th named storm and the 10th hurricane of the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from Jun. 1 to Nov. 30.
Where Is It Now?
As of Tuesday morning, Oscar was found about 45 miles south-southeast of Long Island in the Bahamas, with winds recorded at 40 miles per hour and moving north-northeast at 12 miles per hour, according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami.
Oscar Rainfall Tracker
The storm is expected to drop up to five inches of rain across the southeastern Bahamas, with isolated areas potentially receiving up to eight inches. A tropical storm warning is currently in effect for the central and southeastern Bahamas.
Oscar Wind Gusts Tracker
Michael Lowry, a hurricane specialist, commented on the unusual circumstances, saying “It is not often we see a colossal failure in hurricane forecasting.” He pointed out that no predictive models had indicated Oscar would strengthen into a hurricane.
Oscar Satellite Tracker
So far, the Oscar has not resulted in any flight disruptions. However, according to the travel website, travelandtourworld.com, major cruise lines including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Disney are having to reroute their trips.
What About Other Extreme Storms and Hurricanes?
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has predicted an above average hurricane season for this year, citing record warm ocean temperatures.
Forecasts suggest there could be 17 to 25 named storms and four to seven major hurricanes of Category 3 or higher by season’s end.
In the Pacific, Tropical Storm Kristy was also making headlines, swirling over open waters. As of Tuesday, it was located 375 miles west-southwest of Acapulco, Mexico, with maximum sustained winds of 50 miles per hour and a west-northwest movement at 15 miles per hour.
Kristy is expected to strengthen into a hurricane by Tuesday night.
This article contains additional reporting from The Associated Press.
