U.S. Embassy in the Dominican Republic Issues Weather Alert Warning Americans

The U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo has issued a weather alert advising American citizens in the Dominican Republic to remain vigilant as Hurricane Melissa continues to threaten the region with heavy rainfall and potential flooding. While the Dominican Republic’s Emergency Operations Center (COE) has downgraded the alert level for Santo Domingo from red to yellow, officials emphasize that the storm remains dangerous and unpredictable.

The Embassy confirmed that it will reopen for both routine and emergency consular services on Monday, October 27, including operations at the Visas Assistance Center in Sambil. However, travelers are urged to exercise caution and stay informed about changing weather conditions.

According to the COE, four provinces — Barahona, Bahoruco, Independencia, and Pedernales — remain under a red alert, indicating the highest level of risk. Thirteen provinces are currently on yellow alert, while another 13 remain under green alert. Citizens are advised to follow official updates from the COE and the National Hurricane Center for the latest developments.

The Embassy has issued several safety recommendations, including avoiding flooded areas, refraining from crossing bridges or driving through standing water, and moving to higher ground when necessary. U.S. citizens are also encouraged to monitor their email for updates on consular appointments, maintain communication with airlines about potential flight disruptions, and ensure that travel documents and emergency plans are up to date.

Americans residing or traveling in the Dominican Republic are strongly encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive timely alerts and facilitate communication during emergencies. Additional preparedness resources can be found at Ready.gov.