Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic‘s Emergency Operations Center (COE) has issued a red alert for San José de Ocoa province as indirect effects from Hurricane Melissa continue to impact the country. Twelve additional provinces, along with the National District, are under green alert, while Monte Plata and peravia are at yellow alert status.
Though Hurricane Melissa is currently located approximately 840 kilometers north/northeast of Bermuda, moving northeast at 78 km/h with maximum sustained winds of 140 km/h and higher gusts, its broad circulation and an associated prefrontal trough are maintaining high humidity and atmospheric instability over Dominican territory. These conditions are contributing to isolated rains and thunderstorms.
The COE advises residents, particularly those in vulnerable areas, to avoid crossing rivers, streams, and ravines with high water levels and to monitor official bulletins for updates. Authorities are closely monitoring Melissa’s evolution and potential indirect impacts on the nation.
Provinces under green alert include Monseñor Nouel, Independencia, Puerto Plata, San Cristóbal, Azúa, Duarte, Bahoruco, Santiago, Barahona, Santo Domingo, San Juan, and Pedernales.[Link to related article: https://elnacional.com.do/melissa-deja-decenas-de-muertos/]