Haiti, Dominican Republic: Adverse weather forecast through at least April 1 /update 1

Event

An active weather front is forecast to continue bringing heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds across parts of Haiti and the Dominican Republic through at least April 1.

The Dominican Republic's National Office of Meteorology (ONAMET) has warned that the almost stationary weather front will bring scattered downpours across much of the country through April 1. Precipitation is expected along the Atlantic coast, Cibao Valley, central mountain ranges, and eastern plains early March 30, with increasingly heavy downpours accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds likely over the north, northeast, southeast, southwest, and the central mountain ranges later March 30. More isolated rainfall is expected in the Cinbao Valley and central mountain ranges early March 31 and into the northeast and southeast later in the day. Conditions will begin to improve from April 1. Due to the possibility of flooding and landslides, weather warnings have been issued for Espaillat, La Vega, Puerto Plata, and Santiago provinces. Weather alerts have been issued for Dajabon, Duarte, Hermanas Mirabal, Maria Trinidad Sanchez, Monte Cristi, Samana, Santiago Rodriguez, Santo Domingo, and Valverde provinces.

The Hydro-Meteorological Unit of Haiti (UHM) has forecast moderate-to-heavy rainfall over much of the country through at least March 31. The heaviest rainfall is expected in Centre, Grand'Anse, Nippes, Nord, Ouest, Sud-Est, and Sud departments.

Hazardous Conditions
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rainfall has saturated the soil.

Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.

Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at regional airports. If strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions, authorities may temporarily suspend port operations or close beach fronts. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.

Advice

Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.

Resources

Hydro-Meteorological Unit of Haiti (UHM)
Dominican Republic National Office of Meteorology (ONAMET)