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By now… all should have made the necessary preparations for the 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season.

1. Pay close attention to the information provided by the Met Service and the ODM. We all know the uncertainty associated with forecasting intensity, movement and impact of weather systems. Staying informed is a critical part of your preparedness activity over the next few days and throughout the hurricane season.
2. Take the time to check your homes – roof, windows, doors and cut overhang trees.  Clear drains and waterway around your home.
3. Be mindful that flash flooding and landslides are possible during times of heavy rainfall. Landslides are highly likely as we are coming out of a relatively dry period where grounds may be compromised or developed cracks.
4. Stay alert during times of heavy rainfall. People who live along waterways including rivers and ravines should be vigilant and be aware of their surroundings during rain events. Be ready to move to a safe area if rising water is observed.
5. Ensure that important documents are protected in water proof containers in the event of flooding
6. Check on your emergency kit and ensure it has the necessary supplies, medication, water, mask, sanitizer among others
7. Use road ways and especially bridges with caution during the wet spells and be aware of water-covered roads and bridges.
8. Avoid areas subject to flash flooding and do not attempt to cross rivers. Just 6 inches of fast-moving water can knock you down and 1 foot of fast moving water can sweep your vehicle away
9. Be mindful of flying debris during times of gusty winds especially across road ways and in elevated areas.
10. Take the time to know where your emergency shelter is located
11. Make advance plans when there is a threat of severe weather.

For preparedness information go to the ODM website: odm.gov.dm | facebook page: ODMDominica1 | call ODM Telephone: (767) 266-4412 .

BE PREPARED! BE SAFE!

Contact the Office of Disaster Management for more information - 266-4412 and/or email us odm@dominica.gov.dm.

 BE PREPARED! BE SAFE!

The 2022 Atlantic Hurricane Season ended on November 30, 2022. Thankfully, Dominica was once again spared form any significant impact from tropical cyclones.

However, the island did not escape impact from the normal November Trough Systems. On 6 November 2022, a trough system produced in excess of 14 inches (355mm) of rainfall over the eastern section of Dominica. This high intensity rainfall resulted in flooding, landslides, loss of livelihood, damage to infrastructure and loss of a loved one.

We cannot emphasize enough that preparedness planning is not just for storms and hurricanes (i.e. tropical cyclones), but a year-round activity for all hazards. There is the need to be aware of daily weather conditions and importantly the vulnerabilities that exist in your community and even in your homes.

What can you do to reduce impact

1. Regularly inspect your home and community and take note of conditions that could become hazardous during rain or other hazard events.
2. Address critical issues where possible or seek assistance
3. Support disaster committees to create disaster plans of your community
4. Make use of trainings offered on disaster preparedness
5. Support community simulation exercises
6. Protect early warning equipment in your area

Contact the Office of Disaster Management for more information - 266-4412 and/or email us odm@dominica.gov.dm.

Visit website at: www.odm.gov.dm

Remember BE PREPARED! BE SAFE!

A trough system affected Dominica on Saturday night into Sunday November 6 2022 producing
heavy rainfall over the east coast communities from Wesley to La Plaine. Some locations
recorded rainfall amounts in excess of 13 inches or (330mm).

This high rainfall amount resulted in flooding and over 50 landslides along the east coast.
Unfortunately, one death is confirmed.

Electricity and water services have been disrupted, but are being restored.

Restoration of access is of priority and will be restored today in most areas. Clean-up efforts are
scheduled to be completed by this weekend. However, more time will be required for
restoration in the Petite Soufriere area given the extent of the impact.

The public is being reminded to remain vigilant even as we approach the official end of the
Atlantic Hurricane Season as troughs usually affect Dominica during this time of the year.

SYNOPSIS

At 5: 00 AM today, the center of Tropical Storm FIONA was located near latitude 16.4 North,
longitude 63.3 West, approximately 150 miles northwest of Dominica, moving in a westerly
direction near 13 mph.

ADVISORIES

• As of 5:00 AM, the Tropical Storm WATCH was discontinued for the Commonwealth of
  Dominica.
• A Flood WATCH remains in effect for the Commonwealth of Dominica.

POSSIBLE IMPACTS TO DOMINICA

• Rainfall amounts of 3 to 5 inches (75 to 125 mm) with higher amounts in elevated areas
  are expected over the next 12 hours.
• Possible flash flooding and landslides.

UPDATES FROM THE OFFICE OF DISASTER MANAGMENT (ODM)

i. The Dominica Meteorological Office and the Office of Disaster management continues real-time monitoring of the rainfall across Dominica.

ii. The public is reminded to exercise caution in flood and landslide prone areas.

iii. Mariners should continue to exercise caution.

iv.  Stay tuned to the official media outlets for updates on the actions of the National Emergency Planning Organization (NEPO)

The National Emergency Planning Organization (NEPO) remains on ALERT and continues to monitor the instability associated with the passage of tropical storm FIONA over Dominica.

SYNOPSIS

Location: 15.8 N 58.8 W, 162 miles, 261 km East of Dominica

Moving: West at 15 mph Maximum Sustained

Winds: 50 mph

POSSIBLE IMPACT TO DOMINICA

•  Rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches (50 to 100 mm) with higher amounts in elevated areas.
• Flash flooding and landslides.
• Wind gusts of Tropical Storm Strength.
• Rough seas on the East, North, and West coasts.

ACTIONS OF THE NATIONAL EMERGENCY PLANNING ORGANIZATION (NEPO)

i. The ODM has updated the NEPO Mechanism, and all emergency systems have been placed on ALERT.

ii. The Hon. Prime Minister, Chairperson of NEPO, the Minister for National Security and Home Affairs, the Cabinet Secretary and other officials have been briefed.

iii. A Tropical Storm WATCH is in effect for Dominica as of 6:00 AM, September 16, 2022. This means that tropical  storm conditions are possible within 12 - 36 hours.  Slides and road blockages may be reported to the Ministry of Public Works and the Digital Economy at tel. #: 618 3129.

iv. At this time emergency shelters will remain closed however, Shelter Managers have been placed on ALERT.

v. Heavy equipment operators have been placed on ALERT and will be prepositioned as needed throughout the day.

vi. Schools have been suspended today, September 16, 2022.

vii. Work continues today.

ADVICE TO THE PUBLIC

Residents in Dominica are advised to:

i. Continue to monitor the progress of this weather system.

ii. Limit outdoor activities particularly during the evening of Friday, September 16, 2022, into Saturday, September 17, 2022.

iii. Exercise caution in hotspots for flooding and landslides and be ready to take quick action.

iv. Take time to check on their emergency kits.

v. Stay tuned to the official media outlets for updates on the progress of the system and the actions of the National Emergency Planning Organization (NEPO).

The National Emergency Planning Organization (NEPO) will continue to monitor the progress of Tropical Storm Fiona and provide updates as necessary.

A tropical depression in the Central Atlantic was upgraded to Tropical Storm FIONA last night.

Today, Thursday 15 September 2022, Tropical Storm Fiona was located about 500 miles to the east of the Leeward Islands.

'Fiona' is moving in a westerly direction toward the northern Leeward Islands and the center of Fiona is expected to pass about 100 miles to the north of Dominica late Friday into Saturday.

On the current track, wind impact, if any, from Fiona, will be minimal. However, rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches across Dominica are possible with higher amounts in elevated areas.

Residents here in Dominica are advised to continue to monitor the progress of this weather system while it moves toward and crosses the northern Leeward Islands late Friday into Saturday.

Rainfall that could result in flash flooding and landslides is the concern for Dominica during the passage of this weather system.

Residents should be aware and plan ahead for Friday and throughout the weekend.

In the event of heavy rainfall, persons must not attempt to cross waterways and flooded roadways. Additionally, the risk of secondary hazards may pose a threat - for example, landslides in vulnerable areas.

Conditions may necessitate the issuance of a flood watch or flood warning.

Updated information will be made available.