Hurricane Oscar Gains Strength, Brings Warnings to the Caribbean and Cuba

Hurricane Oscar Gains Strength, Brings Warnings to the Caribbean and Cuba

Grand Turk Island is currently in the path of a brewing storm, as Hurricane Oscar has been born out of what was once a tropical storm. Earlier today, the National Hurricane Center updated the status of Oscar, revealing that it has intensified into a Category 1 hurricane boasting sustained winds of 85 mph. Currently, Oscar is making its way west at a speed of 12 mph, and it sits approximately 70 miles west of Grand Turk Island and 365 miles east of Camaguey, Cuba.

Warnings in Effect

As the storm has gained power, officials have not wasted any time in issuing necessary precautions. A Hurricane Warning is now in effect for several areas, including:

• Turks and Caicos Islands
• Southeastern Bahamas
• North coast of Cuba, specifically in Holguin and Guantanamo province extending to Punta Maisi

In addition to the warnings, a Hurricane Watch has been put into place for the north coast of Las Tunas, while a Tropical Storm Warning has been announced for the south coast of Guantanamo and parts of Las Tunas. Finally, a Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for the northern coast of Camaguey.

The Storm’s Progress

So what does all of this mean for those in the affected areas? Essentially, a Hurricane Warning indicates that hurricane conditions are imminent, urging residents to complete their protective measures as soon as possible. Conversely, a Hurricane Watch means that conditions could start developing within 48 hours, while a Tropical Storm Warning suggests that tropical storm conditions should occur within the next 36 hours.

Hazards to Prepare For

As Oscar moves along, those in the vicinity can expect several hazards:

• Winds: High winds are anticipated in the southeastern Bahamas overnight into Sunday morning, while the northern coast of Cuba should brace for similar conditions by Sunday evening.
• Rainfall: Residents in eastern Cuba should prepare for significant rainfall amounts ranging from 4 to 6 inches, with isolated areas potentially seeing as much as 8 inches by Tuesday. The Turks and Caicos Islands and southeastern Bahamas are also expected to receive 2 to 4 inches of rain, with isolated totals around 6 inches.
• Storm Surge: Dangerous storm surges are headed towards the Turks and Caicos Islands where water levels could rise between 2 to 4 feet above usual tide levels. Meanwhile, the north shore of Cuba could see water levels reaching 1 to 3 feet above normal.

Stay Safe and Informed

It’s crucial for those in the affected areas to stay up-to-date and adhere to local advisories. Emergency preparations should be taken seriously. Remember, even minor changes in a storm’s path or strength can lead to different impacts, so keep a close watch on updates from the National Hurricane Center.

As Hurricane Oscar continues its journey, let’s come together as communities to ensure safety and preparedness. Keep an eye on the sky and stay safe, everyone!