A powerful storm system brings heavy rain and strong winds to the Caribbean.
According to NewsNation, Hurricane Oscar has made landfall in the southeastern Bahamas and is now moving towards eastern Cuba.
The U.S. National Hurricane Center reported that Oscar's center reached the Cuban province of Guantanamo on Sunday evening with maximum sustained winds of 80 mph. The hurricane is expected to traverse eastern Cuba throughout Sunday night and into Monday.
Forecasters predict significant rainfall for eastern Cuba, with 6 to 12 inches expected through early Wednesday. Some isolated areas may receive up to 18 inches of rain. The storm surge could reach up to 3 feet along Cuba's north shore in certain locations.
After passing over eastern Cuba, Oscar is anticipated to weaken before turning northeast towards the central Bahamas on Tuesday. The storm's unexpected intensification caught some meteorologists off guard.
Philippe Papin of the National Hurricane Center stated: "Unfortunately, the system kind of snuck up a little bit on us." This rapid development has left less time for preparations in the affected areas.
Earlier on Sunday, Oscar made landfall on Great Inagua island in the Bahamas. The hurricane is expected to produce a dangerous storm surge, potentially causing significant coastal flooding in the southeastern Bahamas.
Rainfall estimates for the Bahamas range from 2 to 4 inches, with isolated areas possibly receiving up to 6 inches. Hurricane warnings have been issued for parts of the southeastern Bahamas, alerting residents to the imminent danger.
The arrival of Hurricane Oscar comes at a particularly challenging time for Cuba, as the island nation is still recovering from its worst blackout in at least two years. The power outage left millions without electricity for two days last week, with some electrical service only being restored on Saturday.
The combination of the recent blackout and the approaching hurricane poses significant challenges for Cuban authorities and residents. The heavy rainfall and potential flooding could further complicate recovery efforts and strain already taxed infrastructure.
In addition to Hurricane Oscar, Tropical Storm Nadine formed off Mexico's southern Caribbean coast. However, it quickly degenerated into a tropical depression as it moved over land, posing less of a threat than initially feared.
The formation and rapid dissipation of Nadine highlight the unpredictable nature of tropical weather systems in the region. Meteorologists continue to monitor the area for potential development of other storm systems.
Hurricane Oscar's landfall in the Bahamas and its approach toward Cuba serve as a reminder of the ongoing threat posed by tropical storms in the Caribbean. As the storm continues its path, residents in affected areas are urged to stay informed and follow the guidance of local authorities to ensure their safety.
