Hurricane warning issued for Oscar in Cuba, Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands
The Cuban government has issued a hurricane warning for its northern coast in anticipation of Hurricane Oscar, which is forecast to make landfall on Sunday night. The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported on Saturday that the warning specifically affects the provinces of Holguin and Guantanamo.
Hurricane Oscar, which formed east of the Turks and Caicos Islands, currently has maximum sustained winds of 85 mph (136 kph) and is positioned approximately 70 miles (115 km) west of Grand Turk Island and 365 miles (590 km) east of Camaguey city in Cuba.
In addition to Cuba, the government of the Bahamas has also issued a warning for the approaching storm, with the NHC confirming that a hurricane warning is in effect for the Turks and Caicos Islands as well.
Heavy rainfall from Oscar is expected to trigger flash flooding and pose a risk of mudslides, particularly in eastern Cuba’s Sierra Maestra mountain range. The NHC has cautioned that a dangerous storm surge is likely for parts of the Turks and Caicos Islands and southeastern Bahamas on Saturday night, and along Cuba’s north shore later on Sunday.
Authorities in Cuba are urging residents to prepare for severe weather conditions as Oscar approaches, advising communities to secure properties and remain vigilant.
