The forecast path of Hurricane Oscar at 2 p.m. on October 19, 2024.

Hurricane Oscar intensified, prompting a hurricane warning for the southeastern Bahamas islands including Mayaguana, Crooked Island, Acklins, Long Cay, Ragged Island, Inagua and all of Turks and Caicos.

The storm, which was upgraded to a tropical storm earlier today, is expected to bring hurricane or severe tropical storm conditions, including winds up to 70 km/h, heavy rain, thunderstorms, flooding and possible tornadic activity beginning this evening.

As of 2 p.m. EDT, the center of Hurricane Oscar was located near 21.4 degrees north latitude and 70.6 degrees west longitude, approximately 35 miles east-southeast of the island. Grand Turk and 200 miles east-northeast of Matthew Town, Inagua.

Oscar is currently moving west at 12 MPH with maximum sustained winds of 80 MPH and higher gusts, according to data from Air Force Reserve hurricane hunters. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 5 miles from the center, and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 45 miles.

Residents in affected areas should complete final preparations as Hurricane Oscar is expected to bring winds exceeding 70 MPH, heavy rain and dangerous thunderstorms tonight into Sunday morning. Some areas could see rainfall amounts between 2 and 4 inches, with isolated amounts reaching up to 6 inches, increasing the risk of flooding and possible tornadic activity.

Grand Turk Island is already experiencing tropical storm force winds, with hurricane force winds expected to arrive later this evening. These hazardous conditions are expected to extend across the entire Turks and Caicos Islands tonight and last until shortly after midnight.

Central Bahamas are advised to remain vigilant and continue to monitor updates from the Department of Meteorology as the storm progresses.