Yellow flood alert issued for Greater Santo Domingo and San Cristóbal

The Dominican Republic raised flood alerts across 14 areas as a tropical wave and a trough combined with the remnants of Tropical Storm Dolly to produce unstable weather.

The Emergency Operations Center placed the National District, Santo Domingo, San Cristóbal and Monte Plata under 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. The update was issued at 1:30 p.m.

The Dominican Institute of Meteorology expects moderate to heavy showers, thunderstorms and wind gusts. Forecast models cited by the emergency agency project rainfall totals of 50 to 100 millimeters, with higher amounts possible in isolated locations.

The main concern is urban flooding, particularly in low-lying areas and on vulnerable roads. Preventive navigation restrictions also apply along the Atlantic coast from Cabo Engaño to Cabo Francés Viejo. Operators of fragile, small and medium-sized vessels were advised to stay close to the coastline and avoid heading offshore because of unusual winds and waves.

The emergency agency urged residents not to cross swollen rivers, streams, channels or flooded streets, and to follow official bulletins.