Caribbean: Power outages and flooding ongoing across parts of the Caribbean as of Sept. 21 following the passage of Hurricane Fiona

Event

Disruptions are ongoing across northern parts of the Caribbean as of Sept. 21 following the passage of Hurricane Fiona across the region. The storm has caused widespread flooding, casualties, power outages, and damage across the islands it crossed since Sept. 16, including Guadeloupe, Puerto Rico, the Domincan Republic, and the Turks and Caicos Islands. Recovery operations are ongoing in many areas to restore power, water, road access, and other essential services.

The storm first made landfall as a tropical storm over Guadeloupe late Sept. 16. Heavy rainfall and strong winds caused one fatality and damaged roads, bridges, and homes across parts of the island. French authorities declared a state of natural disaster following the passage of the storm.

The storm then made landfall as a Category 1 hurricane over the extreme northwestern coast of Puerto Rico Sept. 18. At least four fatalities have been reported and widespread flooding is ongoing in parts of the territory. Authorities declared a state of emergency across Puerto Rico after the storm left the entire island without power; as of early Sept. 21, more than one million customers remain without power. Authorities have asserted that it will take days to restore power to the entire island. Water supply has also been disrupted for around two million people. Significant flight and port disruptions have been reported in Puerto Rico in connection with the storm, and lingering disruptions will likely continue over the coming days.

Fiona next made landfall near Punta Cana on the Dominican Republic's eastern coast early Sept. 19. Around 12,500 people were forced to leave their homes as the storm passed and over 700,000 people were left without power and over one million without water. Authorities have reported two fatalities associated with the storm and three eastern zones of the country have been declared as disaster zones. The storm has reportedly downed power lines, trees, and billboards in Punta Cana, La Romana, and El Seibo and several communities have reportedly been cut off by flooding.

The storm passed close to the Turks and Caicos Islands as a Category 3 hurricane Sept. 20. Officials in the Turks and Caicos Islands advised all businesses to close and residents to stay off the roads and shelter at home from late Sept. 19 until the threat from the storm had passed. As of early Sept. 21, authorities have stated power outages hit five islands and several villages have been cut off by flooding; however, no casualties have been reported on the islands following the passage of the storm.

Protracted transport and business disruptions are almost certain as emergency crews continue recovery efforts; utility disruptions will probably occur over the coming days and weeks. Shortages of fuel and other essential goods are likely. Driving conditions may be difficult on rural routes and regional highways.

Advice

Monitor local media for updates and advisories on weather conditions. Make allowances for possible supply chain disruptions in affected areas. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in case prolonged electricity outages occur.

Use extreme caution in low-lying areas and near streams, creeks, and other waterways due to the potential for flooding. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where flooding has occurred. Confirm flights before checking out of hotels or driving to the airport; clearing passenger backlogs may take several days in some locations.