FEWS NET is a USAID-funded activity whose purpose is to provide objective information about food security conditions. Its views are not necessarily reflective of those of USAID or the U.S. Government. The FEWS NET weather hazards outlook process and products include participation by FEWS NET field and home offices, NOAA-CPC, USGS, USDA, NASA, and a number of other national and regional organizations in the countries concerned. Questions or comments about this product may be directed to Wassila.Thiaw@noaa.gov or 1-301-763-8000 x7566. Questions about the USAID FEWSNET activity may be directed to Gary Eilerts, USAID Program Manager for FEWSNET, 1-202- 219-0500 or geilerts@usaid.gov.
Climate Prediction Center’s Hispaniola Hazards Outlook For USAID / FEWS-NET
March 5 – March 11, 2012
Localized heavy rainfall could trigger flooding and landslides across central Dominican Republic during the next seven days.
During the past week, moderate to heavy (30 – 75 mm) rainfall was observed across much of the Dominican Republic, marking the third consecutive week of above-average rainfall over the eastern half of Hispaniola, while light (< 30 mm) rainfall was recorded in Haiti. In the Dominican Republic, the frequent and intense rainfall has resulted in positive anomalies, with rainfall surpluses ranging between 100 and 200 mm across the central portions of the country over the past thirty days. Media has already reported flooding that has resulted in loss of crops and fatalities in Bonao of Central Dominican Republic during the past week. During the next seven days, model forecasts indicate increased rainfall across Hispaniola, with the heaviest (> 50 mm) rainfall forecast over localized areas of central Dominican Republic. This, therefore, increases the risks for flooding and landslides in the region.
