Location: All parts of the Dominican Republic
Event: The National Hurricane Center has issued a Tropical Storm Watch due to Tropical Storm Fiona which is expected to reach the Dominican Republic on Sunday, September 18. The Dominican Republic Center of Emergency Operations has issued a green alert for the following provinces: Samaná, La Romana, La Altagracia, and María Trinidad Sánchez. Tropical storm conditions are expected within the warning areas in the Dominican Republic between tonight and Monday. Maximum sustained winds of 50 mph with higher gusts, and rainfall amounts between 3-6 inches, with isolated maximums of 12 inches, are expected. Heavy rains, winds, flooding and mudslides are possible in the affected areas.
In the interests of safety, scheduled services for U.S. citizens and for visa applicants on Monday, September 19 have been cancelled. The Embassy’s Consular Section will reschedule cancelled appointments as soon as possible.
Safety Recommendations Related to Severe Weather:
· Remain current on weather, road and water conditions through news sources such as the National Hurricane Center https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
· Contact police or other authorities if you encounter dangerous conditions and follow warnings and directions provided. If you have an emergency, call 911. The tourist police (POLITUR) central number is 809-200-3500 (assistance available in English) or via mobile app “POLITUR APP”
· Spanish language alerts are available from the website of the Dominican Emergency Operations Center (COE) http://www.coe.gob.do/ or via their mobile app “alertaCOE”
· U.S. citizen residents and visitors are strongly encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Program which enables the Embassy to share both emergency and routine information relevant to the Dominican Republic at https://step.state.gov/
· Visit Ready.gov for tips on emergency preparedness
· Update and review your family’s contingency plans. All U.S. citizens should have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.
· Make sure your travel documents are up to date and easily accessible.
· If you are in an emergency and are safe, be sure to notify friends and loved ones.
· Never attempt to drive through standing water; find alternate routes.
Assistance:
U.S. Embassy Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Av. República de Colombia 57, Santo Domingo
Emergencies: 809-567-7775
Non-emergency inquiries: SDOAmericans@state.gov
Website: https://do.usembassy.gov/ or follow on Twitter and Facebook
Contact the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs 1-888-407-4747 toll-free from the United States and Canada 1-202-501-4444 from other countries or follow on Twitter and Facebook
Dominican Republic Country Information Page
Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for security updates