Hurricane Oscar Intensifies: Unpredicted Path and Impact on Cuba's Vulnerability

Hurricane Oscar made landfall in the southeastern Bahamas, heading towards Cuba, which is recovering from a massive power outage. The storm, with sustained winds of 80 mph, is expected to cause heavy rain and significant flooding. The event highlights the region's vulnerability to unexpected weather developments.

Hurricane Oscar struck the southeastern Bahamas early Sunday, as it advanced toward Cuba—an island recently dealing with the aftermath of a major power outage. The National Hurricane Center in Miami reported the storm reaching Great Inagua island with warnings of dangerous storm surges likely resulting in severe coastal flooding across the southeastern Bahamas.

Forecasts suggest that the region might experience two to four inches of rainfall, with some areas witnessing isolated spikes up to six inches. Simultaneously, eastern Cuban territories could face five to 10 inches of rain into Tuesday, with isolated pockets impacted by up to 15 inches. The hurricane formed off the Bahamas coast Saturday, brushing past the Turks and Caicos islands.

Hurricane Oscar's approach comes as a further strain to Cuba's resilience, following its worst blackout in two years, leaving millions powerless last week. The storm’s unexpected evolution on Saturday caught meteorologists by surprise, according to Philippe Papin from the National Hurricane Center. Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Nadine, which had formed near Mexico, weakened as it moved over land.