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On Thursday, October 23, 2025, the Dominican Republic will experience severe weather conditions due to Tropical Storm Melissa, the thirteenth named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season.
Forming on October 21 south of the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean Sea, Melissa has maximum sustained winds of 85 km/h (50 mph) and is moving slowly west-northwestward at 3 km/h (2 mph).
This slow movement allows the storm to dump intense and prolonged rainfall on the island, increasing the risk of flooding.
The broad cloud field and thunderstorms associated with the storm affect the entire country, and forecasts indicate it could strengthen into a major hurricane (Category 3 or higher) over the weekend as it moves through the Caribbean.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) and local authorities, including the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), have issued widespread alerts, emphasizing the storm’s potential to cause life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides through at least October 25.
October is historically the wettest month in the Dominican Republic, with an average of 16.5 cm (6.5 in) of rain over 11 to 13 days and daytime highs around 30°C (86°F). However, Melissa has intensified these conditions, causing torrential rainfall that far exceeds seasonal norms.
The storm’s slow progress has already caused noticeable disruptions, and more severe effects are expected today and over the weekend:
Heavy rains have caused urban flooding in Santo Domingo, snarling traffic and halting professional baseball games.
More than 500 volunteer rescuers are deployed in the south, where dozens of water supply systems are out of service, affecting more than 500,000 residents.
The Sabaneta Dam in San Juan de la Maguana is at 101% capacity, requiring controlled water releases to prevent ruptures.
Widespread power outages are reported due to wind gusts and flooding, and non-essential businesses are urged to close early. The U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo remains closed today, canceling all consular services.
Dangerous swells and rip currents are affecting beaches, while saturated soils threaten to damage crops in southern provinces such as Barahona and Pedernales. Initial reports indicate minor landslides in mountainous areas.
Melissa’s impacts are exacerbating vulnerabilities in a country prone to tropical storms, with potential short- and long-term ramifications:
No fatalities have yet been reported, but the COE has activated shelters for vulnerable communities, with mandatory evacuations in flood-prone areas.
President Luis Abinader has prioritized lifesaving measures, closing schools in nine provinces on red alert as of today and moving public and private construction to remote areas whenever possible.
Economic losses could reach millions due to the disruption of tourism (a key sector), agriculture, and infrastructure repairs, as occurred in past events such as Hurricane Fiona in 2022.
Up to 25-50 cm of rain through Friday could trigger catastrophic flash floods and landslides, especially in deforested southern regions.
Polluted waters increase the risk of waterborne diseases, while overflowing dams and rivers threaten downstream communities.
In neighboring Haiti (which shares the island of Hispaniola), similar flooding is exacerbating humanitarian crises stemming from gang violence and poverty.
The storm’s slow movement could indirectly increase rainfall in Jamaica and eastern Cuba, but the Dominican Republic bears the brunt due to its location. Climate change factors, such as rising Caribbean water temperatures, which intensify storms, are amplifying these events, experts note.
Tropical Storm Melissa underscores the Dominican Republic’s exposure to late-season hurricanes, and its slow progress turns a moderate system into a prolonged threat.
While the country has robust response mechanisms (e.g., the Permanent Session of the Council of Europe and more than 500 rescuers), the event highlights the need to improve infrastructure resilience, early warning systems, and reforestation to mitigate future flooding. Forecasts suggest Melissa will steer clear of major impacts in the U.S., but it could evolve unpredictably; monitoring through the NHC and Council of Europe apps is critical. Immediate advice:
Avoid low-lying areas, obey evacuation orders, and store essential items. Use the “alertaCOE” app for real-time updates.
Flights may experience delays.
In the long term, climate adaptation efforts must be supported, as rising ocean temperatures (between 1 and 2°F since the 1980s) are increasing storm power by 10 to 20%, according to NOAA data.
Stay safe: Authorities report that the situation is under control but evolving rapidly.
