Flood alerts issued for Greater Santo Domingo as heavy rain threatens

Google sent mobile flood alerts across Greater Santo Domingo on Monday as rain from a trough and moisture left by a tropical wave increased the risk of flooding.

The warning advised Dominican citizens and tourists to follow bulletins from the National Forecasting Center. Residents in low-lying parts of affected provinces were told to move to higher ground or designated shelters.

Google also urged people not to travel during flooding or heavy rain and warned drivers against entering flooded areas. Anyone trapped in a vehicle should leave it quickly, the alert said. The message cited the Dominican Institute of Meteorology, Indomet, and forecast rainfall totals of 50 to 100 millimeters, with higher amounts possible in isolated locations.

The Emergency Operations Center raised alerts in 14 areas because of rain associated with the tropical wave, the trough and remnants of Tropical Storm Dolly. The National District and the provinces of Santo Domingo, San Cristóbal and Monte Plata entered yellow alert. El Seibo, Hato Mayor, La Altagracia, La Romana, María Trinidad Sánchez, Peravia, Samaná, San José de Ocoa, San Pedro de Macorís and Sánchez Ramírez remained under green alert.