COE places eight provinces under Green Alert ahead of rainy weekend

Santo Domingo.- The Emergency Operations Center (COE) has placed seven provinces and the National District under green alert as several atmospheric conditions combine to increase rainfall across the Dominican Republic over the next several days.

The Dominican Institute of Meteorology (INDOMET) said a nearby trough, abundant moisture, and local effects will cause rainfall to intensify this afternoon, with locally moderate downpours, thunderstorms, and wind gusts expected in several areas.

The green alert covers Greater Santo Domingo, the National District, San Cristóbal—particularly its northern area—Monte Plata, Monseñor Nouel, San Pedro de Macorís, Hato Mayor, and Sánchez Ramírez.

Weather conditions are expected to remain unsettled over the next 24 hours as moist winds from the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean, warm regional temperatures, and the trough continue to favor the development of showers and thunderstorms. The lack of Saharan dust has also contributed to conditions favorable for stronger rainfall.

In addition, the remnants of Tropical Storm Fay are expected to move as a low-pressure area northeast of the Caribbean, increasing moisture and reinforcing the trough’s effects over the Dominican Republic. This could raise the potential for urban and flash flooding between Friday and Sunday, making for a potentially rainy weekend.

The COE urged residents in areas under alert to avoid crossing rivers, streams, and ravines with elevated water levels and to refrain from using beaches, rivers, swimming areas, and other bodies of water while weather conditions remain unfavorable.