Haiti, Dominican Republic: Adverse weather forecast through at least March 12

Heavy rainfall forecast across parts of Haiti and the Dominican Republic through at least March 12. Possible flooding and disruptions.

Event

An active weather front is forecast to bring heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds across parts of Haiti and the Dominican Republic through at least March 12. Sustained downpours could exacerbate the situation in areas impacted by flooding in recent days.

The National Office of Meteorology (ONAMET) has warned of moderate rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds across much of the Dominican Republic through March 12. The adverse weather will affect provinces in the Caribbean coastal plains, northeast, southwest, central mountains, and border areas. Due to the possibility of flooding and landslides, weather alerts have been issued for La Vega, Monsenor Nouel, Monte Plata, Sanchez Ramirez, San Cristobal, San Pedro de Macoris, and Santo Domingo provinces.

The Hydro-Meteorological Unit of Haiti (UHM) has forecast localized showers and thunderstorms across much of the country through March 11, with the heaviest rainfall expected in southern regions. Flash flooding is possible in Grand'Anse, Sud-Est, and Sud departments.

Heavy rainfall across parts of Haiti and the Dominican Republic March 4-6 led to two fatalities and over 500 people being evacuated in Limbe Anroondissement in Haiti's Nord department. Flooding also caused damage to homes and led to roads being blocked by floodwaters and landslides in parts of the Nord and Nord-Ouest departments in Haiti and Puerto Plata and Santo Domingo provinces in the Dominican Republic.

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.