### Hurricane Oscar Upgraded to Category 1, Approaching Grand Turk Island

As of the National Hurricane Center's latest advisory on Saturday at 5 p.m., Hurricane Oscar has intensified from a tropical storm to a Category 1 hurricane. Currently, the hurricane is positioned 5 miles south of Grand Turk Island and approximately 435 miles east of Camaguey, Cuba. Oscar now boasts maximum sustained winds of 85 mph as it continues to move westward at a pace of 10 mph.

Forecasters at the National Hurricane Center indicate that Oscar might gain further strength overnight, but a weakening trend is expected to begin by Sunday night and into Monday.

The hurricane is expected to bring severe conditions to the affected areas. Hurricane conditions are forecasted to hit tonight within the warning zone, making it risky for residents to complete any remaining outdoor preparations. By Sunday night, these conditions could extend to watch areas in Cuba. Anticipations include tropical storm conditions reaching parts of the coast by Sunday afternoon, complicating or endangering any remaining outdoor activities.

Rainfall is another major concern, with forecasts predicting between 4 to 6 inches of rain across eastern Cuba through Tuesday, with isolated areas potentially receiving up to 8 inches. The Turks and Caicos Islands and the southeastern Bahamas can expect 2 to 4 inches of rain, with some isolated areas seeing around 6 inches.

The storm surge accompanying Oscar poses a significant threat to coastal areas. In the Turks and Caicos Islands, water levels may rise between 2 and 4 feet, compounded by large and destructive waves. While the north shore of Cuba is expected to experience minor coastal flooding, the potential for significant impact remains high.

For more detailed information on rainfall forecasts associated with Hurricane Oscar, residents and interested parties are advised to consult the National Weather Service Storm Total Rainfall Graphic available at hurricanes.gov.

This news article has been generated by the Miami Herald Bot, using advanced artificial intelligence to analyze and present information from the National Hurricane Center. The team continues to explore innovative methods to deliver valuable content to its readership.