22 Oct 2024 | 09:21 AM UTC
Bahamas: Tropical Storm Oscar tracking north-northeastward through the central and southeastern Bahamas as of early Oct. 22 /update 5
TS Oscar tracking north-northeastward over the central and southeastern Bahamas early Oct. 22. Severe weather likely over the coming hours.
Tropical Storm Oscar is tracking north-northeastward through the central and southeastern Bahamas early Oct. 22. As of 05:00 EDT, the storm's center of circulation was approximately 75 km (45 miles) south-southeast of Long Island, Bahamas.
Forecast models indicate that the system will continue to move northeastward through the central and southeastern Bahamas during the morning Oct. 22. Oscar is then forecast to transition into a post-tropical cyclone as it tracks generally northeastward further out into the North Atlantic Ocean away from the Bahamas through Oct, 23. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and changes could occur in the coming days.
As of early Oct. 22, officials are maintaining the following warnings in connection with Oscar:
Tropical Storm Warning: Central and southeastern portions of Bahamas.
Authorities may issue new warnings or update/rescind existing advisories throughout the system's progression in the coming hours and days.
Tropical storm conditions are expected in the warning area in parts of the central and southeastern Bahamas Oct. 22. Oscar is forecast to bring rainfall totals of 8-13 cm (3-5 inches) with localized higher rainfall amounts of 20 cm (8 inches) are forecast over the southeastern Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands. This rainfall could cause localized flash flooding.
Authorities have activated emergency shelters across affected islands in the central and southeastern Bahamas.
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and those with easily overwhelmed drainage systems. Localized evacuations, flash flooding, and landslides are possible if weather conditions prove hazardous.
The inclement weather could trigger localized business, transport, and utility disruptions and render some bridges or roadways impassable. Flight disruptions at airports in the region and temporary closures of ports are also possible. Stagnant pools of water during and after flooding may increase the incidence of insect- and waterborne diseases, such as dengue fever, cholera, and malaria. Exposure to raw sewage and other hazardous materials mixed with floodwaters poses a serious health threat.
Activate contingency plans in areas where officials forecast tropical storm conditions. Heed all evacuation orders. Use extreme caution in low-lying coastal areas and near streams, creeks, and other waterways due to the high potential for severe flooding and storm surge. Stockpile water, batteries, and other essentials in advance. Charge battery-powered devices when electricity is available; restrict the use of cellular phones to emergencies only. Power down mobile devices when not in use. Keep important documents and any necessary medications in waterproof containers. Observe strict food and water precautions, as municipalities could issue boil-water advisories following flooding events. Take precautions against insect- and waterborne diseases in the coming weeks.
Plan accordingly for protracted commercial, transport, and logistics disruptions in areas in the path of the storm, especially if vital infrastructure is damaged. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where flooding has occurred. Confirm flights before checking out of hotels or driving to the airport; clearing passenger backlogs may take several days in some locations.
