Downpours today, scattered showers Saturday

Santo Domingo.- The low pressure system west of the country will increase cloudiness over the Atlantic and is expected to bring downpours with thunderstorms to the north, northeast, southeast, the Central mountains and border zone.

However the National Meteorology Office (ONAMET) forecast clearing skies starting Saturday morning, with scattered showers and thunderstorms for most regions, with seasonably mild temperatures during the early morning and evening hours.

It said flash floods and mudslide warnings are still in effect for Santiago, Santiago Rodriguez, Puerto Plata, Duarte (especially the lower Yuna basin), Maria Trinidad Sanchez, Dajabón, Monseñor Noël, San Juan de la Maguana, El Seibo, Montecristi, Monte Plata and La Vega.

ONAMET cautions small craft to remain near shore along the Caribbean coast and not venture out to sea, on higher than normal wind and waves.