Haiti, Dominican Republic: Adverse weather forecast through at least March 9

Event

An active weather front is forecast to bring further rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds across parts of Haiti and the Dominican Republic through at least March 9. Heavy rainfall in recent days has caused flooding in parts of Nord and Nord-Ouest departments in Haiti and Puerta Plata and Santo Domingo provinces in the Dominican Republic.

Heavy rainfall in northern Haiti since March 4 triggered flash floods in Limbe Androssiemnt in Nord Department, impacting the towns of Limbe and Bas-Limbe. Authorities have reported four flood-related fatalities; around 500 people have been evacuated. Several homes and buildings have been damaged, and several roads made impassable by floodwaters. Heavy rainfall also impacted Cap-Haitien, Borgne, Acul-du-Nord, and Plaisance arrondissements in Nord Department and in Nord-Ouest Department. Port-de-Paix was temporarily cut off from the rest of the department due to flooded roads.

In the Dominican Republic, heavy rainfall in Puerta Plata Province March 5-6 triggered flooding, which damaged 68 homes, mainly in Sosua and Maimon, and swept away vehicles. Authorities also reported flood damage in the Duarte neighborhood of Santo Domingo Oeste after the Guajimia Canal broke its banks.

Government Advisories

The Hydro-Meteorological Unit of Haiti (UHM) has forecast further localized showers and thunderstorms across parts of the country through March 9, with the heaviest rainfall expected in Artibonite, Centre, Ouest, Sud-Est, and Sud departments.

The National Office of Meteorology (ONAMET) has warned of moderate to strong rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds across much of the Dominican Republic through March 9. The adverse weather will affect provinces in the north, northeast, east, Caribbean coastal plains (including Greater Santo Domingo), and central mountain range regions. Due to the possibility of flooding and landslides, weather warnings have been issued for La Vega, Puerto Plata, and Maria Trinidad Sanchez provinces. Early warning weather alerts have been issued for Duarte, Espaillat, Hermanas, Mirabal, Monsenor Nouel, Samana, Sanchez Ramirez, San Cristobal, Santiago, and Santo Domingo provinces.

Hazardous Conditions
Further 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.