Dominican Rep.: Tropical Storm Dorian prompts storm advisory August 28 /update 1

Event

The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued a Tropical Storm Watch for the Dominican Republic, from Isla Saona to Samana, as of 8:00 (local time) on Wednesday, August 28, as Tropical Storm Dorian approaches the island of Puerto Rico. This is a modification of the Hurricane Watch issued for the Dominican Republic in the evening of Tuesday, August 27. Tropical storm conditions, including strong winds and rains, are possible in the Dominican Republic by the early morning of Thursday, August 29. Rainfall totals of 3-8 cm (1-3 in) are possible across the Dominican Republic.

As of Wednesday morning, Dorian is located at approximately 17.1°N and 64.1°W and is tracking to the northwest at 20 kph (13 mph). The storm has maximum sustained winds of 95 kph (60 mph) and is expected to strengthen in the coming hours (map here).

Transportation and business disruptions, as well as power outages, are to be expected in areas forecast to be affected by Dorian over the coming days.

Advice

Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, anticipate consequent power outages and transportation and business disruptions, and remember that running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) is enough to knock over an adult - and never drive through flooded streets; floodwater may also contain wastewater and chemical products.