COE issues weather alerts for 21 provinces

Santo Domingo.- The Emergency Operations Center (COE) raised the alert level to 21 provinces, including the National District, on Monday due to the indirect effects of an active tropical wave linked to a low-pressure system located several hundred kilometers south of Puerto Rico. The disturbance has a 90% chance of developing into a tropical cyclone within the next 24 to 48 hours.

According to the National Meteorological Institute (Indomet), the system is moving westward and could bring heavy rains, thunderstorms, and strong winds across much of the Dominican Republic in the coming days. As a precaution, the COE placed 13 provinces and the National District on yellow alert, and eight others on green alert, due to the potential for river and stream overflows, flash floods, and urban flooding.

Provinces under yellow alert include La Vega, San Cristóbal, Santo Domingo, the National District, San Pedro de Macorís, San José de Ocoa, Peravia, Azua, San Juan, Sánchez Ramírez, Monseñor Nouel, María Trinidad Sánchez, and Samaná. Meanwhile, Santiago, Monte Plata, Hato Mayor, El Seibo, La Altagracia, La Romana, Barahona, and Pedernales remain on green alert.

The COE also warned of hazardous marine conditions along both the Atlantic and Caribbean coasts, advising small and medium-sized vessels to remain in port. COE Director Major General (r) Juan Manuel Méndez García urged residents in high-risk areas to stay informed, avoid crossing swollen rivers or streams, and take precautionary measures to prevent accidents and losses.