COE places seven provinces and National District under yellow alert

Santo Domingo.- The Emergency Operations Center (COE) has expanded weather alerts across the Dominican Republic as a trough combined with a tropical wave continues to generate unstable atmospheric conditions, increasing the risk of heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, strong winds and isolated hail.

Based on a report from the Dominican Institute of Meteorology (INDOMET), the COE placed seven provinces and the National District under yellow alert: La Vega, Monseñor Nouel, Sánchez Ramírez, Santo Domingo, the National District, San Pedro de Macorís and San Cristóbal.

An additional eight provinces remain under green alert: Hato Mayor, Monte Plata, San José de Ocoa, Duarte, Espaillat, Puerto Plata, Santiago and Hermanas Mirabal.

Authorities warned that the weather system is expected to maintain a humid and unstable environment capable of producing periods of heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, strong wind gusts and possible isolated hailstorms.

The COE urged residents in the affected areas to avoid crossing rivers, streams and ravines with high water levels and to stay out of recreational waterways in provinces under alert.

Maritime warnings also remain in effect. Along the Caribbean coast, from Cabo Rojo (Pedernales) to Neiba Bay (Barahona), operators of small and medium-sized vessels are advised to remain in port due to hazardous sea conditions, while caution is recommended elsewhere along the coast.

On the Atlantic coast, from Saona Island (La Altagracia) to Cabo Cabrón (Samaná), operators of fragile, small and medium-sized boats are also urged to remain in port because of dangerous swells. Navigation is advised with caution along the remainder of the Atlantic coastline, particularly near the shore.