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 1-301-683-3424. 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
April 25 – May 1, 2013
Heavy rain observed across the Ouest department of Haiti and neighboring Dominican Republic during the past seven days.
An anomalously strong easterly to southeasterly flow brought heavy rain over the Ouest department of Haiti and neighboring western Dominican Republic during the past week. In Haiti, the above-average rain triggered flooding, resulting in fatalities in the localities of Petit-Goave and Léogane. Little to light rain was, however, observed across the western parts of southern Haiti. While much of Hispaniola has received below-average rain over the past several months, the inadequate distribution of rainfall has exacerbated ground conditions and led to the loss of bean plantations over many local areas of the southern Peninsula of Haiti, including the communes of Thiotte, Bainet, and La Vallée de Jacmel of the Sud-Est department. During the next outlook period, average to above-average rain is expected across southern Haiti, with isolated heavy rain across the Ouest and Sud-Est department and bordering southwestern Dominican Republic. This could, in effect, result in localized flooding in the region. Moderate rain is also forecast in central Dominican Republic, while light rain is expected elsewhere.
