Location: Throughout the Dominican Republic
Event: According to the National Hurricane Center, Hurricane Lee is now a dangerous category 5 hurricane. While most models of the storm’s track indicate that it will pass north of the Dominican Republic, hurricanes are unpredictable and may change direction rapidly and without warning. Dangerous surf and life-threatening rip currents are expected in the Dominican Republic starting this weekend into early next week as Lee passes.
Actions to Take:
Get ready:
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for security updates. Encourage your friends and family to register as well if they plan to travel outside of the United States.
- Monitor local radio, local media, and the National Hurricane Center (https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/) to be aware of weather developments.
- 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”.
- Be aware that in the event of a hurricane, you may not be able to depart the area for 24-48 hours or longer. Roads may be washed out or obstructed by debris, adversely affecting access to airports and land routes out of affected areas. Looting and sporadic violence in the aftermath of natural disasters is not uncommon, and security personnel may not always be available to assist.
- Obtain travel insurance to cover unexpected expenses, and update and review your family’s contingency plans.
- Organize a kit of essential items in a waterproof container, including: bottled water, any medications taken regularly, non-perishable food, battery powered radio, and vital documents, especially passports.
- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and NOAA have additional tips on their websites:
o https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes
o http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare/ready.php
Avoid Affected Areas:
- U.S. citizens should avoid coastal areas and any other areas of the Dominican Republic affected by Hurricane Lee until the storm has passed. Airports and roads may close, and Embassy assistance may take time to reach you in an affected area. Embassy offices may be closed if it is unsafe to open for services.
- Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters.
- Move to higher ground or higher floors to avoid rising waters.
- Stay off bridges and do not move through flood water.
- If your vehicle is stuck in water, only depart the vehicle for higher ground if it is safe to do so; check for water depth, and that water is not swiftly moving (as little as 6 inches of fast-moving water can make adults fall, and 1 foot of moving water can move vehicles).
- If your vehicle is trapped in rapidly moving water, stay inside. If water is rising inside of the vehicle, seek refuge on the roof.
- Remain in close contact with your tour operator, hotel staff and local officials for evacuation instructions during a weather emergency.
- Determine how best to protect yourself from high winds and flooding. Take refuge in a designated storm shelter or an interior room for high winds. Go to the highest level of the building if you are trapped by flooding. Do not climb into a closed attic.
- 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”.
Stay informed:
- Monitor local radio, local media, and the National Hurricane Center (https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/) to be aware of weather developments.
- 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”.
- Inform your friends and family of your whereabouts.
- Remain in close contact with your tour operator, hotel staff and local officials for evacuation instructions during a weather emergency.
- Additional information on hurricanes and storm preparedness can be found on the Department’s “Hurricanes, Typhoons, and Cyclones” webpage.
Assistance:
Av. Republica de Colombia 57, Santo Domingo
Emergencies: 1-809-567-7775
Non-emergency inquiries: SDOAmericans@state.gov
Website: https://do.usembassy.gov/ or follow on Twitter and Facebook
- State Department – Consular Affairs: 1-888-407-4747 toll-free from the United States and Canada, or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries.
- Dominican Republic Travel Information Page
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for security updates.
- Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
- Visit Ready.Gov for information on emergency preparedness.
