Tropical Storm Melissa UPDATE: 9 provinces on Red Alert

Santo Domingo.- The Emergency Operations Center (COE) maintains 9 provinces under red alert, 15 under yellow alert along with the National District, and increases 5 to green alert, due to Hurricane Melissa, which was located about 195 km south/southeast of Kingston, Jamaica, and approximately 450 km south/southwest of Guantánamo, Cuba, moving west at around 5 km/h.

The hurricane has maximum sustained winds of about 220 km/h, making it the fourth major hurricane of the current cyclone season.

Provinces under red alert 🔴:
Barahona
San Cristóbal
Independencia
San José de Ocoa
Monte Plata
San Juan
Azúa
Peravia
Pedernales

Provinces under yellow alert 🟡:
La Vega
Samaná
Hato Mayor
El Seibo
La Romana
Elías Piña
Duarte
Bahoruco
Monseñor Nouel
Sánchez Ramírez
Monte Cristi
Santo Domingo
San Pedro de Macorís
National District
Dajabón
La Altagracia

Provinces under green alert 🟢:
María Trinidad Sánchez
Santiago
Santiago Rodríguez
Hermanas Mirabal
Espaillat

In this regard, people are advised not to cross rivers, streams, or creeks with high water levels in the provinces under alert. On the Caribbean coast, operators of fragile, small, and medium-sized vessels are advised to remain in port due to strong winds, abnormal waves, heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and reduced visibility. Meanwhile, on the Atlantic coast, vessels may navigate with caution near the shoreline but should avoid venturing offshore.

Civil protection agencies in coastal areas are instructed to take all necessary preventive measures to safeguard the lives of coastal users, due to the likelihood of strong surf and rip currents.