The Cuban Meteorology Institute's Forecast Center has issued a warning this Sunday regarding Hurricane Oscar's impending landfall along the island's northern coast, specifically between the provinces of Guantánamo and Holguín. The hurricane is expected to make its approach in the afternoon.
According to the latest INSMET bulletin released on Facebook, Hurricane Oscar, currently a Category 1 storm on the Saffir-Simpson scale with sustained winds reaching 130 kilometers per hour, is progressing in a west-southwest direction while slowing down to 11 kilometers per hour.
By midday, the hurricane's center was pinpointed at 20.7 degrees north latitude and 74.0 degrees west longitude, positioning it approximately 55 kilometers north-northeast of Punta de Maisí—the easternmost point of Cuba—and 65 kilometers northeast of Baracoa, both situated in Guantánamo province.
INSMET forecasts that Oscar will continue its west to west-southwest path over the next 12 hours, possibly gaining additional strength. It is anticipated to strike the northern coast of Cuba later this Sunday, somewhere between Guantánamo and Holguín.
Weather Conditions Deteriorating
Weather conditions have already started to worsen in Guantánamo and Holguín, with rain, showers, and thunderstorms spreading throughout the eastern part of Cuba as the day progresses. Heavy rainfall is expected, particularly in mountainous regions, with totals ranging between 100 and 200 millimeters over the next 24 hours.
Wind speeds are also predicted to increase gradually, reaching between 85 and 100 kilometers per hour by late afternoon and evening, with even stronger gusts. In areas closest to where the hurricane will hit, like Guantánamo and Holguín, winds could reach hurricane strength at 120 kilometers per hour.
Coastal Impacts and Warnings
Significant wave activity is already being observed along the northeastern coast, especially north of Guantánamo and Holguín, extending towards the northern coast of Las Tunas by nightfall. This will likely lead to moderate coastal flooding in low-lying areas, such as the Baracoa seawall.
Meteorological authorities urge heightened vigilance concerning Hurricane Oscar's path and development in the eastern provinces, given its potential for destruction. The next tropical cyclone update is scheduled for 3:00 pm this Sunday, as noted in the bulletin.