At approximately 4:30 pm, the weather station in Punta Maisí documented a significant wind gust of 64 mph, signaling the impending arrival of Hurricane Oscar to eastern Cuba. The Forecast Center of the Institute of Meteorology (INSMET) reported on social media that this measurement was taken in Maisí, Guantánamo, a province expected to bear the brunt of Oscar's impact.
Hurricane Oscar Nears Cuban Landfall
According to the latest bulletin from INSMET, Hurricane Oscar is projected to make landfall near Baracoa. The hurricane has been moving west-southwest at a sluggish pace of just 7 mph. As of 3 pm, its center was positioned at 20.6 degrees north latitude and 74.2 degrees west longitude, placing it 25 miles north of Punta de Maisí and 28 miles northeast of Baracoa, both situated in Guantánamo province.
Severe Weather Conditions Escalate
Oscar is expected to reach land around 6 pm, near Baracoa on Guantánamo's northern coast. The hurricane maintains maximum sustained winds of 81 mph, with stronger gusts, classifying it as a category one storm on the Saffir-Simpson scale. Its minimum central pressure remains at 986 hectopascals.
Meteorological conditions continue to worsen in Guantánamo, Holguín, and Las Tunas provinces, with rain, showers, and thunderstorms intensifying, particularly in mountainous areas. This adverse weather has heightened concerns among authorities and residents due to potential impacts on vulnerable regions.
Communities Urged to Exercise Caution
Rainfall accumulations between 4 and 8 inches are forecasted over the next 24 hours in eastern provinces, potentially leading to local flooding and landslides in susceptible areas. Authorities have urged the public to take maximum precautions and adhere to guidelines issued by Civil Defense and meteorological services.
As evening approaches, wind speeds in eastern Cuba are expected to increase, with sustained speeds between 53 and 62 mph and even higher gusts. The bulletin warns that hurricane-force winds could reach up to 75 mph in Guantánamo and Holguín, especially near Oscar's center as it approaches Cuban territory.
Coastal Threats and Evacuation Advisories
INSMET has reported strong swells along the northern coast of Guantánamo and Holguín, extending to Las Tunas overnight. These swells are causing moderate to severe coastal flooding in low-lying areas, including the Baracoa seawall, where sea water has already breached.
Meteorologists warn that conditions will deteriorate further in the coming hours, with coastal flooding expected to persist and intensify. Coastal communities are advised to heighten precautions and evacuate if necessary, as Civil Defense closely monitors Hurricane Oscar's progression.
The National Hurricane Center announced on social media that Oscar's center is nearing Cuban landfall. The provinces of Guantánamo, Santiago de Cuba, Holguín, Granma, and Las Tunas are currently under Cyclonic Alert. Radio Baracoa has shared several videos capturing the looming hurricane in eastern Cuba. In some footage, it appears many residents are unaware of the severe weather's imminent threat, despite the cyclone's approach.