Anyone living in the Caribbean needs to be ready to experience a Hurricane 5 any year. The likelihood of this happening is minimal, but it is real.
As the Atlantic hurricane season officially kicks off on Sunday, 1 June and will run through Sunday, 30 November, the Dominican Republic is bracing for what forecasters predict will be an above-average year for cyclonic activity. Projections for 2025 indicate the formation of 13 to 19 named storms, with 6 to 10 potentially strengthening into hurricanes, and 3 to 5 reaching major hurricane status (Category 3 or higher on the Saffir-Simpson scale).
The names of the storms this year are: Andrea, Barry, Chantal, Dexter, Erin, Fernand, Gabrielle, Humberto, Imelda, Jerry, Karen, Lorenzo, Melissa, Nestor, Olga, Pablo, Rebekah, Sebastien, Tanya, Van, and Wendy.
The last storms to impact the Dominican Republic have been:
Hurricane Fiona (2022). Category 1. East Coast. 19 September 2022.
Hurricane Jeanne (2004). Category 2. East Coast, Northeast Coast and North Coast. 16 September 2004.
Hurricane Georges (1998). Category 3. Most of the country. 22 September 1998.
Hurricane David (1979). Category 5. 31 August 1979.
Hurricane Ines (1966). Category 1. Southwest Coast. 21 September 1966.
Hurricane San Zenón (1930). Category 4. Southcentral Coast. 3 September 1930.
Take note that a fierce storm can hit one coast and leave another unscathed.
In recent years, torrential rains in the time of the hurricane season or after have caused likewise tragic events due to flooding. The widespread construction in vulnerable areas has worsened the situation.
History has repeatedly shown that prevention and preparedness are crucial in mitigating the impact of these powerful natural phenomena. Now is the time to review how you dwelling is prepared to withstand a hurricane.
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N Digital
29 May 2025