COE lifts beach ban as Hurricane Erin moves away

Santo Domingo.- The Emergency Operations Center (COE) lifted the ban on beach use along the Atlantic coast from La Altagracia to Monte Cristi, as Hurricane Erin moved away from the forecast area. Water sports are now permitted near the coastal perimeter, although vessels are advised to remain close to shore due to strong waves.

On the Caribbean coast, navigation restrictions have also been lifted, allowing boats to operate normally. Despite the easing of measures, authorities continue to urge caution, particularly for operators along the Atlantic seaboard.

By Tuesday morning, August 19, Erin weakened slightly to a Category 2 hurricane, with maximum sustained winds of 110 mph (175 km/h), according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center. Located 665 miles southwest of Bermuda, the storm was moving northwest at under 7 mph. Its winds extended up to 200 miles from the center, and forecasters warned it could grow in size.