Oscar Drenches Eastern Cuba, Threatens Floods and Mudslides \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Tropical Storm Oscar made landfall in eastern Cuba on Monday, bringing heavy rain, floods, and exacerbating an ongoing power outage crisis. Initially a Category 1 hurricane, Oscar weakened but left significant damage in its wake. The storm, with winds of 40 mph, triggered flooding and mudslides across low-lying areas, especially in Guantánamo Province. As rescue efforts continue, Cuban authorities are racing to restore power after an island-wide blackout. Oscar is now heading toward the Bahamas, with warnings issued for several areas. Meanwhile, a second storm, Tropical Storm Kristy, formed off Mexico’s Pacific coast, though it is not expected to impact land.
Tropical Storm Oscar Ravages Cuba: Flooding, Power Outages, and Ongoing Threats: Quick Looks
- Oscar Hits Cuba Hard: Tropical Storm Oscar made landfall in eastern Cuba, bringing torrential rains, floods, and significant damage to already beleaguered regions dealing with power outages.
- Heavy Rain and Mudslides: Up to 14 inches of rain have been forecasted, with isolated areas seeing as much as 20 inches, prompting concerns about severe flooding and mudslides, particularly in the Guantánamo region.
- Widespread Power Blackouts: Cuba is still grappling with the aftermath of a major island-wide power blackout from last Friday, leaving much of the country without electricity as the storm worsens the crisis.
- Oscar Moves Toward Bahamas: The storm is expected to impact the Bahamas next, with tropical storm warnings issued for the southeastern and central islands, where flooding and wind damage are possible.
- Tropical Storm Kristy: Off Mexico’s southern Pacific coast, Tropical Storm Kristy has formed, but forecasters say it will not threaten land as it strengthens into a hurricane over open waters.
Deep Look:
The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami reported that Oscar’s winds had weakened to 40 mph (65 kph) by Monday as the storm moved north-northwest at 7 mph (11 kph). However, despite its reduced intensity, the storm continues to pose a serious threat, with up to 14 inches (36 centimeters) of rainfall expected across eastern Cuba. In some areas, isolated totals could reach as much as 20 inches (50 centimeters), raising concerns about life-threatening flooding and potential mudslides, especially in the mountainous regions of Guantánamo Province.
Philippe Papin, a hurricane specialist at the National Hurricane Center, expressed particular concern about the excessive rainfall, stating, “The main concern is just very heavy rainfall that’s occurring over portions of eastern Cuba right now that are likely producing significant flooding and even potentially some mudslides in that area.”
Oscar, which has earned the distinction of being the smallest hurricane on record—its wind field spanned just six miles (10 kilometers) across—caught forecasters off guard when it quickly intensified into a Category 1 storm. Hurricane specialist Michael Lowry noted that no forecast models had anticipated this rapid development before Oscar made landfall on Great Inagua in the Bahamas on Saturday. “It’s not often we see a colossal failure in hurricane forecasting,” Lowry commented in an analysis published Monday, reflecting on the storm’s unexpected trajectory.
Immediate Impact on Cuba
When Oscar made landfall in the eastern Cuban province of Guantánamo, it unleashed powerful winds of up to 75 mph (120 kph), battering the coastal city of Baracoa, known for its colonial architecture and cultural significance. Cuban media reported that 2-meter (6.5 feet) swells crashed along the coastline, damaging homes, roads, and other infrastructure. The coastal region, vulnerable to flooding, saw numerous low-lying areas submerged in water as emergency responders worked to evacuate affected residents.
Reports from the ground indicate that roofs were torn from homes, and walls collapsed in some areas. Baracoa, which is no stranger to tropical storms and hurricanes, bore the brunt of Oscar’s initial impact, with residents describing scenes of devastation as floodwaters surged through streets and into homes. Despite the challenges, the Cuban government and local emergency teams acted swiftly, deploying rescue teams to help those in need and establish makeshift shelters for displaced families.
The timing of the storm could not have been worse for Cuba, which has been grappling with an island-wide blackout since last Friday. The power outage, initially caused by a failure in the national grid, had left most of the country in darkness. While some electrical services were restored by Saturday, the majority of the population remained without power as Oscar approached. The storm’s impact has further delayed efforts to restore electricity, leaving many residents to contend with both the lack of power and the dangers posed by the severe weather.
The Cuban Ministry of Energy is working around the clock to bring the grid back online, with officials expressing hope that power will be fully restored by Tuesday. However, the combined effects of the storm and the power crisis have left millions of Cubans in dire straits, unable to access basic services like clean water, food, and medical supplies.
Moving Toward the Bahamas
After lashing Cuba, Tropical Storm Oscar is now heading toward the Bahamas, with U.S. forecasters warning that the storm could bring more heavy rainfall and strong winds to the region. Tropical storm warnings have been issued for parts of the southeastern and central Bahamas, and residents have been advised to prepare for potential flooding and wind damage.
The Bahamas, which experienced landfall from Oscar on Saturday when the storm struck Great Inagua, is already dealing with the aftermath of the initial damage. Homes on the island were severely damaged by strong winds and floodwaters, forcing residents to evacuate and seek shelter in safer areas. As Oscar continues its trajectory, officials are bracing for additional impacts in the coming days.
Global Weather Concerns: Tropical Storm Kristy Forms
Meanwhile, another storm has formed off the southern Pacific coast of Mexico. Tropical Storm Kristy, located approximately 275 miles (440 kilometers) south-southwest of Acapulco, is currently moving west at 17 mph (28 kph) with sustained winds of 40 mph (65 kph). Forecasters at the National Hurricane Center expect Kristy to strengthen into a hurricane by Wednesday, though it is not anticipated to pose a threat to land as it continues moving west over open waters.
Although Kristy is unlikely to impact coastal regions, the rapid formation of back-to-back storms is a stark reminder of the heightened hurricane activity typical during this time of year. Both storms, while different in trajectory and impact, highlight the importance of preparedness in coastal areas vulnerable to extreme weather events.
Response and Recovery Efforts in Cuba
As the storm begins to move away from Cuba, recovery efforts are underway in the hardest-hit areas. The Cuban government has mobilized its emergency response teams to assess damage and assist affected communities. In Baracoa, which saw some of the most severe damage, teams of volunteers and local authorities are working to repair homes, clear debris, and provide essential supplies to those in need.
Despite the ongoing power crisis, Cuban authorities are hopeful that the worst is over. However, the risk of further flooding remains a concern as heavy rains continue to batter the region. Local officials are urging residents to remain vigilant and follow safety instructions, particularly in areas prone to landslides and flash floods.
As the storm’s full impact is assessed, the people of Cuba face the daunting task of rebuilding in the aftermath of both the weather disaster and the crippling power outages that have plagued the country in recent days. For now, the focus remains on ensuring that the most vulnerable communities are safe and have access to the resources they need to recover from this latest crisis.
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