Dominican Republic: What to expect as Hurricane Erin strengthens to a Category 4

Santo Domingo.- Hurricane Erin reached Category 4 on the Saffir-Simpson scale, with maximum sustained winds of 215 km/h, the National Institute of Meteorology (Indomet) reported in its 7:00 a.m. bulletin.

According to the report, the phenomenon is located near latitude 19.6 north and longitude 61.5 west, approximately 240 km northeast of Anguilla, and is moving west/northwest at a speed of 31 km/h.

“Hurricane-force winds extend outward approximately 45 km from the low-pressure center, and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward approximately 205 km from the center,” Indomet noted.

Although Erin continues to move over the open waters of the North Atlantic, hundreds of miles from the country, its indirect effects are already beginning to impact the Dominican Republic.

Indomet stated that the system’s circulation is causing a gradual shift in winds toward the north/northeast, which will cause heavy downpours, thunderstorms, and gusty winds in the eastern and northeastern provinces starting early this morning.

The first towns to experience these conditions would be La Altagracia, Hato Mayor, La Romana, El Seibo, San Pedro de Macorís, Monte Plata, Samaná, Sánchez Ramírez, Duarte, María Trinidad Sánchez, and Greater Santo Domingo.

During the afternoon and evening, rain and storms will spread to San Cristóbal, San José de Ocoa, La Vega, Monseñor Nouel, Santiago, Hermanas Mirabal, Puerto Plata, Monte Cristi, Dajabón, Elías Piña, Santiago Rodríguez, Valverde, Azua, and San Juan.

Provinces on alert for Erin

The Emergency Operations Center declared the following eight provinces on green alert due to the effects of the hurricane: La Altagracia, Hato Mayor, Espaillat, Montecristi, El Seibo, Samaná, María Trinidad Sánchez, and Puerto Plata.

“People are advised to refrain from crossing rivers, streams, and gullies with high levels of water in the province under alert.”

Main recommendations for a hurricane like Erin

Before the hurricane

• Prepare an evacuation plan and learn about available shelters in your community.
• Store drinking water, non-perishable food, flashlights, battery-powered radios, and essential medicines.
• Reinforce windows, doors, and objects that could come loose.

During the hurricane

• Stay calm and follow the official bulletins from the COE and Indomet.
• Stay in your home or shelter until otherwise directed by authorities.
• Unplug electrical equipment and avoid using candles; prefer battery-powered flashlights.

After the hurricane

• Do not consume water that is not chlorinated or boiled.
• Avoid areas with downed power lines, debris, or broken glass.
• Help neighbors who may need assistance.