COE Expands Weather Alerts Across 17 Dominican Provinces
Travelers heading to the Dominican Republic this weekend should prepare for unsettled skies, as the country's Emergency Operations Center (COE) has expanded weather alerts across a large swath of the national territory. The advisory follows the passage of an atmospheric trough that is fueling heavy rains, thunderstorms, and gusty winds in several regions.
Provinces on Yellow Alert
According to Dominican Today, nine provinces have been placed under a yellow alert, which signals a moderate risk requiring residents and visitors to stay attentive. Those areas include Greater Santo Domingo and the National District, Monte Plata, Hato Mayor, Samaná, El Seibo, La Altagracia (home to Punta Cana and Bávaro), La Romana, and San Pedro de Macorís.
For travelers, the inclusion of La Altagracia and La Romana is particularly relevant, since these provinces host many of the country's most visited beach resorts. Excursions such as catamaran tours, zip-lining, and trips to Saona or Catalina islands may be delayed or rescheduled depending on sea conditions.
Provinces on Green Alert
A green alert — indicating potential risk that warrants monitoring — has been issued for Santiago, Espaillat, Hermanas Mirabal, Duarte, María Trinidad Sánchez, Sánchez Ramírez, La Vega, and Monseñor Nouel. Visitors exploring the Cibao Valley, Jarabacoa, or Constanza should keep an eye on updated forecasts, as mountain roads can become slippery and prone to landslides during prolonged downpours.
What Travelers Should Do
- Check with your hotel or tour operator before heading out on excursions, especially boat trips and outdoor adventures.
- Avoid low-lying areas and river crossings, where flash flooding can occur quickly during tropical downpours.
- Monitor official channels such as the COE (coe.gob.do) and the National Meteorological Office (Onamet) for updated bulletins.
- Allow extra travel time if driving between cities, particularly on routes crossing the central mountain range.
While the alerts are precautionary rather than an evacuation order, the COE typically maintains them until weather patterns stabilize. Most resort activities continue as normal during yellow alerts, but flexibility is key when planning outdoor experiences over the coming days.