Dominican Republic braces for weaker Chantal’s downpours

Santo Domingo.- Although the entire country is under alert for possible landslides and heavy flooding with Tropical Storm Chantal approaching its southern shore today, the system has weakened late Tuesday and early Wednesday, when its winds remained below 100 kilometers per hour.

Rainfall of up to 8 inches is forecast, but with a lower possibility that it may acquire hurricane intensity.

Chantal roared south of Puerto Rico early Wednesday becoming disorganized and the National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami, Florida discontinued its hurricane watch for the Dominican Republic’s southern coast.

However, a tropical storm warning was in effect for the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Puerto Rico, Turks and Caicos, and the southeastern Bahamas.

Dominican Republic first response agencies brace Chantal’s expected landfall Wednesday afternoon, and urged those living in low-lying areas to evacuate.

From the NHC: As of 8 AM EDT
Location: 16.5°N 70.8°W
Moving: W at 29 mph
Min pressure: 1011 mb
Max sustained winds: 45 mph