Weather Alert – Tropical Storm Fred

Location:  All parts of the Dominican Republic

Event:  The National Hurricane Center has issued a Tropical Storm Warning for the Dominican Republic on the south coast from Punta Palenque eastward and on the north coast from the Haiti border eastward.  The Dominican Republic Center of Emergency Operations has issued a red alert for the following provinces: La Altagracia, La Romana, Santo Domingo, San Pedro de Macoris, El Seibo, San Cristobal, Monsenor Nouel, and San Jose de Ocoa.  Tropical Storm Fred is projected to pass through or near the Dominican Republic this morning and afternoon.  Maximum sustained winds are near 40mph with higher gusts, and rainfall amounts between 2-4 inches, with isolated maximums of 6 inches, are expected.  Heavy rains, winds, flooding and mudslides are possible in the affected areas.

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 or via mobile app.

·     Spanish language alerts are available from the Dominican emergency management agency (COE) http://www.coe.gob.do/ or via their mobile web 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 1-888-407-4747toll-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
Visit Ready.Gov for information on emergency preparedness.