Hurricane Oscar Strengthens, Threatening Caribbean and Parts of Cuba
As the sun began to set on Saturday evening, the tropical storm known as Oscar transformed into a significant Category 1 hurricane, leaving residents of Grand Turk Island and parts of Cuba on high alert. With sustained winds now reaching 85 mph, this latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center has certainly captured the attention of many.
Current Status of Hurricane Oscar
At 11 PM ET on Saturday, Oscar was located about 70 miles west of Grand Turk Island and around 365 miles east of Camaguey Cuba. It’s moving westward at a speed of 12 mph while continuing to gain strength. This uptick in strength has prompted officials to issue a hurricane warning for several coastal regions in Cuba, particularly affecting the northern coast’s provinces of Holguin and Guantanamo, extending to Punta Maisi.
Watches and Warnings in Effect
Here’s a quick overview of what you need to know:
- Hurricane Warning: In effect for the Turks and Caicos Islands, Southeastern Bahamas, and the northern coasts of Holguin and Guantanamo in Cuba.
- Hurricane Watch: In effect for the northern coast of Las Tunas, Cuba.
- Tropical Storm Warning: In effect for the south coast of Guantanamo and the north coast of Las Tunas.
- Tropical Storm Watch: In effect for the north coast of Camaguey.
A Hurricane Warning indicates that hurricane conditions are expected in the area, so it’s crucial for residents to complete preparations to safeguard themselves and their property. In contrast, a Hurricane Watch signals that such conditions may be on the horizon, typically within the next 48 hours.
What You Can Expect
The National Hurricane Center warns that hurricane conditions should begin to spread across the Southeastern Bahamas through the night into early Sunday. As for Cuba, those conditions are likely to hit by Sunday evening, with tropical storm conditions expected in various areas Sunday night into Monday.
- Rainfall: Expect between 4 to 6 inches across eastern Cuba, with some isolated areas possibly receiving up to 8 inches. The Turks and Caicos Islands and southeastern Bahamas should brace for 2 to 4 inches, with isolated amounts around 6 inches.
- Storm Surge: A dangerous storm surge could lead to significant coastal flooding, particularly in the Turks and Caicos Islands, where water levels may rise by 2 to 4 feet above normal. In Cuba’s northern shores, the water could reach 1 to 3 feet above normal levels, with strong onshore winds causing dangerous waves.
Stay Informed and Stay Safe
As Oscar continues on its path, it’s vital for everyone in the affected areas to remain vigilant and stay tuned to local advisories. Preparations should be intensified and actions taken early to ensure safety against the predicted wind and flooding hazards. Getting ready well in advance is the best way to withstand the impact of a hurricane.
Remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Make sure to check on your neighbors, secure outdoor items, and have a disaster kit ready. We’re all in this together, and staying informed is key to surviving this storm safely.
