The Dominican Institute of Civil Aviation (IDAC) announced the operation of a state-of-the-art Doppler weather radar on the iconic Isabel de Torres Mount in Puerto Plata, at 793 meters. The Presidency says this C-band, dual-polarization, solid-state radar marks a significant step by the government to modernize the national meteorological system and enhance operational safety within Dominican airspace.
Previously, the DR has depended on the radar in San Juan, Puerto Rico for much of its weather forecasting.
The commissioning ceremony was led by Puerto Plata-born Minister of the Presidency José Ignacio Paliza and IDAC director general Igor Rodríguez Durán. Both officials emphasized the strategic importance of this new equipment in the context of the country’s technological transformation in risk management and air navigation systems.
“President Luis Abinader has tasked us with making steady progress in the modernization of the country, and this radar demonstrates that commitment in action,” stated Minister Paliza. “With this new technology, we are strengthening the state’s ability to protect lives and optimize air operations with precise, real-time data.”
Igor Rodríguez explained that the new WRS300 radar boasts an effective coverage radius of 250 kilometers and a total range of up to 400 kilometers. This expanded reach will allow the nation to monitor phenomena such as hurricanes, thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and other high-impact atmospheric events with greater accuracy. “This robust technological tool will strengthen our compliance with ICAO responsibilities and ensure safer and more efficient air operations,” he noted.
Rodríguez further announced that the radar will be integrated into a national network alongside the existing radar at Punta Cana International Airport on the eastern coast. He says works are underway to inaugurate another at Las Américas International Airport (AILA), on the southcentral coast. This would ensure complete radar coverage for the country.
Two more are planned for the Cibao (Santiago central area) and Cabo Rojo (Pedernales southwestern area) airports.
Rodriguez highlights this network will provide comprehensive coverage of the entire national airspace under the coordination of IDAC and the National Meteorology Office (Indomet).
Participating in the inauguration, the director of Indomet, Gloria Ceballos hailed the incorporation of this technology as a vital tool for the timely issuance of early warnings to the population and for the planning of public policies in the face of natural phenomena.
The new radar is built to resist up to category 5 hurricanes. Puerto Plata has been spared major hurricanes that are known to track to the South, Southwest, Northeast or East of the country.
The event was also attended by director of the Center for Emergency Operations (COE) Juan Manuel Méndez; Puerto Plata Governor Claritza Rochtte; Puerto Plata Senator Ginette Bournigal; Puerto Plata Mayor Roquelito García; Puerto Plata Congresswoman Fiordaliza Estévez; the secretary of the Civil Aviation Board (JAC) Bernarda Franco; Major General Pilot Floreal Suárez Martínez, Commander of the Dominican Republic Air Force; and other national aviation sector authorities.
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20 May 2025