As Hurricane Oscar approaches the eastern territory of Cuba, the nation's authorities have escalated the situation by declaring a hurricane alert phase for Camagüey and an information phase for Ciego de Ávila. This announcement was shared on social media by state-affiliated journalist Lázaro Manuel Alonso.
Oscar is currently making its way between west and west-southwest. According to the Center for Forecasting at the Institute of Meteorology (INSMET), the hurricane is expected to possibly make landfall this evening along the northern coast near the provinces of Guantánamo and Holguín.
Increased Alert Levels in Eastern Provinces
In response to the storm's trajectory, a Cyclone Alert Phase was established starting at 7:00 a.m. for the provinces of Guantánamo, Santiago de Cuba, Holguín, Granma, and Las Tunas. Later in the morning, around 11:00 a.m., Camagüey also entered the Alert Phase. The Civil Defense has additionally placed Ciego de Ávila under the Information Phase.
The weather is expected to deteriorate in eastern Cuba from this morning, with increasing showers, rain, and thunderstorms, which could become severe in some places, particularly in mountainous areas, as reported by the official portal Cubadebate.
Coastal and Weather Impacts
The northern coast of eastern Cuba will experience significant swells from midday, especially affecting the northern regions of Guantánamo, Holguín, and Las Tunas. Moderate coastal flooding is anticipated in low-lying areas, including Baracoa's malecón.
There is a potential for hurricane-force winds, storm surges, and heavy rainfall leading to flash floods and landslides in eastern Cuba. The latest update from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) predicts that winds will start impacting the region Sunday afternoon around 2 p.m., intensifying into the night and early Monday morning.
Expected Storm Conditions in Key Areas
Municipalities such as San Antonio del Sur, Caimanera, Contramaestre, Palma Soriano, Mayarí, Antilla, and the coastal areas around Guardalavaca are anticipated to experience the storm's strongest conditions. Social media reports indicate initial rainfall has already been felt in parts of eastern Cuba, notably in Guantánamo and Santiago de Cuba.
According to the NHC, tropical storm-force winds are expected to reach Guantánamo by 2 p.m. on Sunday, extending to Santiago de Cuba and Holguín around 8 p.m. By Monday morning, the eastern provinces could face worsening conditions, with wind gusts exceeding 70 mph (113 km/h).