The U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo advises U.S. Citizens in the Dominican Republic that the Government of the Dominican Republic (GoDR) has issued a Green Alert for possible flash floods and landslides due to predicted heavy rain over the next 36 hours in the following provinces: San Pedro de Macoris, La Romana, La Altagracia (Punta Cana and Bavaro), El Seibo, Hato Mayor, and Duarte. Rainfall is forecast for most of the country. The GoDR has three levels of alert: Green, Yellow and Red; Green is the lowest/first level. A Green Watch is declared in anticipation of a dangerous event that could affect the population partially or entirely in the next 36-48 hours.
The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) forecast shows rainfall for most of the country starting tonight and lasting through Saturday afternoon. The rainfall may exceed flash flood thresholds in the Dominican Republic during the next 24 hours, particularly on the eastern part of the island. For up-to-date storm information, please visit NHC’s Web site at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/.
U.S. citizens should exercise caution in low lying and coastal areas because of possible heavy rain, gusty winds and flash flooding. Review your personal security plans, remain aware of your surroundings, and monitor local news stations for updates. Ensure you have enough drinking water and food in case you need it. For your safety and that of others, please remove or secure objects that may become windblown.
Monitor local radio, local media, and the National Weather Service to be aware of weather developments. Inform family and friends of your whereabouts and remain in close contact with your tour operator, hotel staff, transportation providers (airlines, cruise lines, etc.), and local officials for evacuation instructions during a weather emergency.
We strongly recommend that all U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in the Dominican Republic enroll in the Department of State’s secure on-line Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates and makes it easier for the nearest U.S. embassy to contact you in an emergency.
Travelers are advised to regularly monitor the travel information page of the State Department’s website where you can find current Travel Warnings for The Dominican Republic, Travel Alerts, and the Worldwide Caution. Read the Country Specific Information for The Dominican Republic. For additional information, refer to “Travelers Checklist” on the State Department’s web site.
Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate for up-to-date information on travel restrictions. You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free from within the United States and Canada, or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Follow the Bureau of Consular Affairs on Twitter and Facebook .
For all emergencies involving U.S. citizens, contact the American Citizen Services (ACS) unit of the U.S. Embassy’s Consular Section, located at Av. Republica de Colombia # 57, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic; telephone 809-567-7775; after hours emergency telephone 809-567-7775: E-mail: SDOAmericans@state.gov.
