Weather Alert: Countrywide (Dominican Republic), Above Average Hurricane Season Expected in 2024

Weather Alert:  U.S. Embassy Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (June 7, 2024)

Location:  Throughout the Dominican Republic

Event:  The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens to the 2024 hurricane season, which lasts through November.

Hurricane Season in the Atlantic began June 1 and runs through November 30, 2024.  The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center  predicts an 85 percent likelihood of an above-normal hurricane season.  NOAA predicts that the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season will produce:

• 17 to 25 storms
• 8 to 13 hurricanes
• 4 to 7 major hurricanes

What Can You Do Ahead of Hurricane Season?

Get Ready:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  for security updates.  Encourage your friends and family to register as well if they plan to travel outside of the United States.
• Be aware that in the event of a hurricane in any country, you may not be able to depart the area for 24-48 hours or longer.  Roads may be washed out or obstructed by debris, adversely affecting access to airports and land routes out of affected areas.  Looting and sporadic violence in the aftermath of natural disasters is not uncommon, and security personnel may not always be available to assist.
• Obtain travel insurance to cover unexpected expenses.  If a situation requires an evacuation from an overseas location, the U.S. Department of State may work with commercial airlines to ensure that U.S. citizens can depart as safely and efficiently as possible.  U.S. law requires that any evacuation costs are your responsibility.
• Organize a kit of essential items in a waterproof container, including:  Bottled water, any medications taken regularly, non-perishable food, battery-powered radio, and vital documents, especially passports.
• The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and NOAA have additional tips on their websites:

o   https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes 

o   http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare/ready.php 

Stay Informed:

• Monitor local radio, local media, and the National Hurricane Center (https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/ ) to be aware of weather developments.
• Inform your friends and family of your whereabouts.  Remain in close contact with your tour operator, hotel staff and local officials for evacuation instructions during a weather emergency.
• Additional information on hurricanes and storm preparedness can be found on the Department’s “Hurricanes, Typhoons, and Cyclones ” webpage.

Assistance:

• U.S. Embassy Santo Domingo

Av. República de Colombia 57, Santo Domingo  

Emergencies: 1-809-567-7775

Non-emergency inquiries: SDOAmericans@state.gov

Website: https://do.usembassy.gov/ or follow on Twitter  and Facebook 

• Dominican Republic Country Information Page 
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  for security updates.
• Visit Ready.Gov  for information on emergency preparedness.