According to the National Hurricane Center in the United States, Hurricane Maria is due to track to the north of the Dominican Republic passing closest to the northeast by the early hours of Thursday, 21 September 2017. A major hurricane, Maria is moving to the west northwest at a slow speed of 15 km an hour.
As early as Monday, 18 September 2017, a hurricane watch has been in place for the Dominican Republic from Saona Island to Montecristi.
Minister of the Presidency Gustavo Montalvo has met with the National Emergency Committee that is in permanent session in order to coordinate mitigation efforts. President Danilo Medina cut short his participation in the United Nations General Assembly to be present for Hurricane Maria’s passing.
According to forecasts, Maria is expected to be a Category 4-5 storm when it passes the country.
To follow the storm as it relates to the Dominican Republic, see the last posts at DR1 Forums Hurricane Thread
19 September 2017
