Hurricane Oscar, which has shown fluctuations in its strength, is posing a serious threat to the eastern provinces of Cuba. With maximum sustained winds of 80 miles per hour and even stronger gusts, this weather system remains a Category 1 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale, according to the latest report from the Cuban Institute of Meteorology's Forecast Center (INSMET).
As of 6 a.m. this Sunday, the hurricane's center was positioned over Great Inagua Island in the eastern Bahamas, approximately 80 miles northeast of Punta de Maisí, at Cuba's easternmost point, and 150 miles east of Punta Lucrecia in Holguín. Over the next 12 hours, Oscar is expected to move west to west-southwest, drawing dangerously close to the northern coasts of Guantánamo and Holguín provinces.
Oscar could potentially intensify further as it travels over the seas north of eastern Cuba, with a possible landfall in Guantánamo and Holguín later today. In anticipation of this, meteorological authorities have warned of a gradual worsening of weather conditions in the eastern region starting this morning, with rain, thunderstorms, and winds reaching speeds of up to 62 miles per hour.
The northern shores of Guantánamo, Holguín, and Las Tunas are expected to experience heavy swells and moderate flooding, especially in low-lying areas like the Baracoa seawall. Residents are urged to closely monitor the hurricane's progress and take necessary precautions. The next official update is scheduled for noon today.
Monitoring Oscar's Path from Cuba
Hurricane Oscar, now nearing eastern Cuba, has garnered significant attention due to its rapid and potentially dangerous development for the island. This cyclone, already at Category 1 status on the Saffir-Simpson scale, threatens to impact the eastern provinces of Guantánamo and Holguín this afternoon or evening. Its sustained winds of 80 mph and coastal storm surges have put both authorities and local residents on high alert.
In recent days, INSMET has issued several warnings, emphasizing Oscar's potential for intensification as it moves over the northern waters of the country. These warnings highlight the likelihood of heavy rain and intense thunderstorms in mountainous areas and coastal regions in the east, with particular concern for low-lying areas like Baracoa, which face a heightened risk of coastal flooding.
Based on recent reports, an informational phase has been declared for provinces ranging from Camagüey to Guantánamo. During this phase, authorities have begun preparing for preventive evacuations in vulnerable areas and securing infrastructure. This weather phenomenon follows the path of previous hurricanes that have historically caused significant damage in the region.
The public is advised to maintain vigilant monitoring of meteorological advisories and adhere to official instructions, as Hurricane Oscar's impact could have substantial consequences for the area.