The government of Puerto Rico announced shut down of ports to regular maritime traffic and cancellations of several flights to Puerto Rico as that country braced for the impact of the sustained gale force winds and rains of Tropical Storm Ernesto on Tuesday and Wednesday. These include flights to Puerto Rico from Las Americas International and Punta Cana International.
The NHC reported that Ernesto would likely impact Bermuda later in the week. The wells generated by Ernesto are also expected to impact portions of the Dominican Republic causing life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.
The National Institute of Weather (Indomet) forecast is for widespread heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds over the next two days as the indirect effects of Tropical Storm Ernesto are felt across the country.
Local meteorologists have issued warnings for residents in the provinces of La Altagracia, El Seibo, La Romana, Hato Mayor, Monte Plata, Samaná, San Pedro de Macorís, and María Trinidad Sánchez to expect moderate to heavy showers and thunderstorms, particularly during the morning hours. These adverse weather conditions are expected to extend to Monseñor Nouel, Duarte, La Vega, Espaillat, Hermanas Mirabal, the Greater Santo Domingo area, San Cristóbal, San José de Ocoa, Santiago, and Puerto Plata by Wednesday afternoon.
Due to the anticipated heavy rainfall, the National Meteorological Office has maintained alerts and warnings for potential river flooding, flash flooding, mudslides, and urban inundation. Residents in vulnerable areas are advised to take necessary precautions and heed the guidance of local authorities.
Mike Fisher reporting on the storm for DR1 Weather shares the observation that hurricanes are now developing with short-term notice. This means everyone living in the Dominican Republic should be prepared for a storm to arrive tomorrow. “One thing I see during the last hours, is that it get’s quickly organized, so it likely will not be even 24hrs until we see a Hurricane on the Map.”
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Indomet
DR1 Weather
US Coast Guard
14 August 2024