Tropical Storm Oscar is making its way towards the Bahamas after recently making landfall in Cuba as a Category 1 hurricane, causing at least six fatalities so far.

The storm caused heavy rainfall on an island that was already experiencing a major power outage.

Oscar made history as the smallest hurricane on record, with a wind field only about six miles in diameter before it was downgraded to a storm.

Oscar’s unexpected intensity, however, surprised many, causing him to make landfall on Grand Inagua Island in the Bahamas on Saturday and again late on Sunday in eastern Cuba.

In eastern Cuba, the storm dropped at least 18 inches of rain on Monday, prompting warnings of severe flooding and possible landslides. The six reported deaths occurred in Guantanamo, a region already facing problems following a recent widespread power outage that has sparked small protests and government warnings against unrest.

Oscar marks the 15th named storm and 10th hurricane of the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30.

Where is it now?

As of Tuesday morning, Oscar was found about 45 miles south-southeast of Long Island in the Bahamas, packing winds of 40 miles per hour and moving north-northeastward at 12 miles per hour, according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami.

Oscar rainfall tracker

The storm is expected to drop up to two inches of rain in the southeastern Bahamas, while isolated areas may see up to eight inches of rain. A tropical storm warning is currently in effect for the central and southeastern Bahamas.

Oscar Gust Tracker

Michael Lowry, a hurricane specialist, commented on the unusual conditions, saying, “It’s not often that we see a colossal failure in hurricane forecasts.” He pointed out that no predictive model had indicated that Oscar would become a hurricane.

Oscar satellite tracker

So far, the Oscar has not caused any flight disruptions. However, according to the travel website it is travelandtourworld.com, major cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival and Disney, must reroute their voyages.

What about other extreme storms and hurricanes?

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has forecast an above-average hurricane season this year, citing record warm ocean temperatures.

Forecasts suggest there could be 17 to 25 named storms and four to seven major hurricanes of Category 3 or higher by the end of the season.

In the Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Kristy also made headlines, swirling over open waters. As of Tuesday, it was located 370 miles west-southwest of Acapulco, Mexico, with maximum sustained winds of 50 miles per hour and a west-northwesterly motion of 15 miles per hour.

Kristy is expected to strengthen into a hurricane Tuesday evening.

This article contains additional reporting from The Associated Press.