Tropical Storm Oscar Strikes Eastern Cuba, Bringing Strong Winds and Heavy Rains
Tropical Storm Oscar has made its presence felt in eastern Cuba, causing havoc with its strong winds and heavy rains. The storm initially made landfall as a Category 1 hurricane on an island already grappling with a significant power outage. As it moved across eastern Cuba, Oscar’s maximum sustained winds were recorded at 60 mph (95 kph) and it was travelling west-southwest at 5 mph (8 kph), according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami.
The storm hit the eastern province of Guantanamo, near the city of Baracoa, with winds reaching 75 mph (120 kph) on Sunday evening. Reports of rain and flooding in low-lying areas poured in from the eastern provinces, with Cuban media noting that 2-meter (6.5-feet) swells were battering the coast while roofs and walls in Baracoa had suffered damage. Forecasters predict that the storm will progress across the island on Monday and is set to approach the central Bahamas by Tuesday.
Cuba has been facing a widespread power blackout since Friday, with some restoration efforts made on Saturday. However, a large portion of the population still remains without electricity. The minister of energy in Cuba expressed optimism that the power grid could be fully restored by Monday or Tuesday.
The impact of Tropical Storm Oscar on eastern Cuba highlights the vulnerability of the region to extreme weather events and the challenges faced in their aftermath. Authorities and residents are urged to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety amidst the turbulent weather conditions.