Weather conditions are rapidly worsening in Baracoa as the initial rains and winds herald the approach of Hurricane Oscar. The storm is drawing near to eastern Cuba with tropical storm-force winds expected to reach speeds between 63 and 74 mph, according to the latest update from the National Hurricane Center (NHC). These intense winds are projected to impact the region starting Sunday afternoon around 2 p.m., escalating throughout the evening and into early Monday morning.
Eastern Cuba Braces for Impact
The provinces of Guantánamo, Santiago de Cuba, and the eastern areas of Holguín are predicted to be the most affected by this meteorological event. Municipalities such as San Antonio del Sur, Caimanera, Contramaestre, Palma Soriano, Mayarí, Antilla, and the coastal areas near Guardalavaca are expected to experience the storm's highest intensity.
Oscar is anticipated to bring with it strong winds and heavy rainfall. Initial showers are already being reported in parts of eastern Cuba, notably in Guantánamo and Santiago de Cuba. Tropical storm winds are forecast to arrive in Guantánamo by 2 p.m. on Sunday, spreading to Santiago de Cuba and Holguín by 8 p.m. Conditions could deteriorate further during the early hours of Monday, with wind gusts potentially exceeding 70 mph.
Hurricane Warnings in Effect
As per the NHC's latest advisory, Oscar remains a hurricane as it moves west-southwest. It is expected to make landfall on Cuba's northern coast within Guantánamo and Holguín provinces later today. At 11:00 AM EDT, the hurricane's center was positioned near latitude 20.7 North and longitude 73.9 West, approximately 90 miles northeast of Guantánamo, Cuba. Oscar is maintaining maximum sustained winds of 81 mph and is traveling at 7 mph.
A hurricane warning is in place for the northern coasts of Holguín and Guantánamo up to Punta Maisí, while a hurricane watch is issued for the northern coast of Las Tunas. Tropical storm warnings and watches are also in effect for southern Guantánamo, northern Las Tunas, northern Camagüey, and parts of the central Bahamas.
Anticipated Heavy Rainfall and Flooding
Expected rainfall accumulations range from 4 to 10 inches, with isolated spots receiving up to 12 inches in eastern Cuba, potentially causing significant flooding. The rains associated with Oscar may lead to local flooding, particularly in low-lying areas and those near rivers and coasts.
Coastal Regions Face Severe Risks
The coastal regions of eastern Cuba are expected to bear the brunt of Oscar's impact. Areas around Gibara, Guardalavaca, and Mayarí could face hazardous wind conditions and elevated waves, with the possibility of coastal flooding.
Oscar developed into a tropical storm on October 19, 2024, posing a threat to eastern Cuba. A widespread power outage hampered the dissemination of vital storm information. On the same day, the Cuban Meteorology Institute issued the initial warning about Tropical Storm Oscar, highlighting its danger to the island's eastern region, especially Holguín and Guantánamo.
Later that day, Oscar rapidly intensified into a hurricane with winds reaching 81 mph, threatening Cuba's northern coast. By October 20, authorities announced an informative phase for provinces from Camagüey to Guantánamo due to Oscar's imminent approach, with landfall expected in Holguín. As Oscar moved closer to the eastern provinces, alert measures were heightened.