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Since the weekend, state authorities have been monitoring the trajectory of an atmospheric phenomenon moving through the waters of the Caribbean Sea, which has developed into Tropical Storm Franklin. All forecasts indicate that it will directly impact the Dominican Republic on Tuesday, August 21st.

In response to this situation, the entire Dominican Republic is on alert, as the tropical storm is expected to affect the country for three days with heavy rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds.

The Emergency Operations Center (COE) issued alerts on Monday for all 31 provinces of the Dominican Republic and the National District (center of Santo Domingo), with 14 of them in red (including La Romana), 10 in yellow, and 8 in green.

Tropical Storm Franklin is projected to reach the country between Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning due to its slow movement.

Authorities have informed that significant flash flooding is likely to occur from Tuesday to Wednesday, urging citizens to stay informed through relevant agencies.

It’s important for individuals with upcoming flights to or from the Dominican Republic on these days to contact airlines to verify their flight status.

Furthermore, the government has decided to declare Tuesday as a non-working day starting from noon and a full non-working day on Wednesday to avoid unnecessary exposure of people on the streets.

In the southern coast of the country, from La Romana to Pedernales, waves of 8 to 9 feet in height are expected along with some higher breakers. Therefore, operators of small and medium-sized vessels are advised to remain in port, and larger vessels should consult the authorities of the Dominican Navy, according to the Marine forecast from ONAMET.

Residents and visitors in the area are advised to pay attention to the following recommendations.

Before the hurricane:

  • Pay attention to the official bulletins transmitted by radio, television and written press.
  • Prepare a first aid kit with non-perishable food, radio, flashlight, personal documents and medicines.
  • Cut branches from trees that could fall off and cause damage.
  • Secure doors and windows with additional iron supports that withstand strong winds.
  • Secure glass windows with tape, special adhesive paper or plywood to prevent someone from being injured.
  • Analyze the probabilities of having to evacuate the home.
  • Secure all objects that are not fixed to the floor, such as furniture, appliances, decorative objects, grills, etc.

During the hurricane:

  • Keep calm and reassure your family members. An anxious person can make many mistakes.
  • Keep gas, light and water disconnected until there is no leakage or danger of a short circuit.
  • Avoid being near doors and windows, where there are glass or open spaces.
  • Have a potable water supply, first aid kit, flashlight and radio on hand to receive information and instructions from official sources.
  • Do not light candles; use battery flashlights.
  • If the wind opens a door or window, do not advance towards it frontally.
  • Do not go out until authorities inform that the hazard has ended.

After the hurricane:

  • Check the house carefully and make sure there is no danger.
  • Make sure electrical appliances are dry before connecting them.
  • Use the phone only to report emergencies to 911.
  • Remove stagnant water to prevent mosquito pests.
  • Houses located in front of the sea must keep the security measures for 48 hours.

Important: Prevention begins with us, our family and the community.

Keep informed!

It’s important to keep up to date with news concerning the weather forecast! Whilst we at Casa de Campo Living will do our best to keep you informed, we recommend the following for keeping extra-informed:

• www.nhc.noaa.gov – The National Hurricane Centre.

• www.weather.com – The Weather Channel.

• ONAMET.gov.do – Oficina Nacional de Meterología.