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- - - 2013 Hurricane Season - - -

- San Juan de la Maguana
  • From: JPC3671 at aol.com
  • Date: Wed, 11 Sep 2013 21:48:12 -0400 (EDT)
Yesterday (Tues 10/09/13) we had a severe thunderstorm here in SJM which lasted for about 2 hours. Beginning about 6pm, and ending at 8:30pm or so. Included were all the special effects of thunder, lightning, wind, and white out conditions. 24 hours later, I finally have my internet and cable back up. The funny aspect of this, is that not one radar, not one chart, not one special alert advised any of us to what was approaching. I can't nail down how much rain fell, but it was a lot, as the photo below will show. This is a photo taken in front of the supermarket on my corner. You can see the cinder block wall which was in one piece prior to the storm, but was knocked out due to the water surge. Thankfully, no injuries. Again, this was caused by a solo thunderstorm. We do not need a named storm coming our way. Stay safe. -Senor Jim

- San Juan de la Maguana
  • From: JPC3671 at aol.com
  • Date: Mon, 9 Sep 2013 11:34:20 -0400 (EDT)
Good morning to all from San Juan de la Maguana. This morning I find myself in total agreement with Mike in Punta Cana in regards to...what was that all about? I tend not to rely on computer trackers to alert me to a potential storm, but I do rely on the local authorities, as they are usually spot on. This time around, everybody was left scratching their heads. I can assure you that nobody is eagerly anticipating an event, but when the local authorities are predicting 3-10 inches of rain, measures need to be taken, and caution is to be practiced. This weekend found me in Las Matas de Farfan, La Rancha, and El Cercado. With the exception of a waterfall of a down pour on Saturday afternoon, the rest of the weekend just proved to be HOT, with temps averaging 93F-34C by 11am. This morning, back in SJM, we have had a cloudy overcast morning, with temps of 75F-24C. Stay safe. -Senor Jim

- What was that all about???
  • From: Mike Bryant <puntacanamike at gmail.com>
  • Date: Fri, 6 Sep 2013 09:28:58 -0400
Well, for a tropical storm, even just a TD, Gabrielle was an absolute no show here on the east of the island. Yesterday for the most part, was a decent day with only a 3 minute early morning shower...a common daily occurrence here. Winds were the calmest of the month to date!

This morning, dead calm with gray skies and no rain. So much for all the computer models, experts and storm junkies. I am to the point after so many false alarms, to just listen to my goldfish.

In this hyped up media world, it is hard to take anything seriously...especially when they get the story wrong 90% of the time.

--
Cheers

Mike

Punta Cana Mike's Dominican Adventure
Reality Tours for People Just Like You
829 981 7989

www.puntacanamike.com

puntacanamike at gmail.com

- San Juan de la Maguana
  • From: JPC3671 at aol.com
  • Date: Thu, 5 Sep 2013 10:29:45 -0400 (EDT)
Good morning to all. Alerts are still in effect for various parts of the country (mostly the eastern region) for flash flooding and mudslides. Anywhere from 3-10 inches of rain is expected here. A very broad prediction, but who knows? Right now in San Juan de la Maguana, it's 89F-32C, without a cloud in the sky. Stay safe. -Senor Jim

- San Juan de la Maguana
  • From: JPC3671 at aol.com
  • Date: Wed, 4 Sep 2013 21:32:27 -0400 (EDT)
Good evening to all. This afternoon the Emergency Operations Center (COE) issued flash flood alerts for the National District, and eight other provinces of the country in relation to the heavy rains expected to begin falling here tomorrow. The COE issued the alerts for the provinces: Santo Domingo, Monte Plata, Duarte (especially the lower Yuna River basin), La Romana, San Pedro de Macoris, La Altagracia, El Seibo, and San Juan de la Maguana. It recommends staying away from rivers and streams, for possible flash flooding and landslides. Stay safe. -Senor Jim

- San Juan de la Maguana
  • From: JPC3671 at aol.com
  • Date: Sun, 1 Sep 2013 20:27:02 -0400 (EDT)
Greetings from San Juan de la Maguana, the capital of the province San Juan de la Maguana (as we are constantly reminded on local radio). ONAMET (La Oficina Nacional de Meteorologia-The National Office of Meteorology...equal to the National Weather Service of the U.S.) has published a national advisory here in the Dominican Republic in regards to a tropical wave currently in the area of the Lesser Antilles. ONAMET is monitoring this situation as it has the potential to develop into a Tropical Storm within the next 24 to 48 hours. Again, this is according to ONAMET. Stay safe. -Senor Jim

- San Juan de la Maguana
  • From: JPC3671 at aol.com
  • Date: Tue, 20 Aug 2013 12:29:27 -0400 (EDT)
Good day to all. Although there have not been any publicized storms to hit the news lately, we here in SJM have had our fair share of fierce weather over the last two days. Both yesterday, and Sunday we had severe thunder and lightning storms which entered our area at approximately 5pm in the afternoon, continuing until the early hours of the evening. The rolling thunder was severe enough to rattle the house repeatedly, and the lightning displays were too close for comfort to stand by and watch. The associated drenching rains caused near white out conditions, as they were wind swept. During a 'normal' storm, I'm able to sit in my covered driveway, and take it all in. The last two days, even I sought shelter in the house. Sunday and Monday were carbon copies of each other, starting off with blazing sun, high humidity, and temperatures peaking at around 92F-33C. Clouds would start developing about 4:30, and then BOOM, here we go. Thankfully, no damage to report, other than the occasional lapse in electricity. The water is good for the farms, but I could do without the thunder and lightning. As of right now, it's 88F-31C, with bright sun, and not a cloud in the sky. Stay Safe. -Senor Jim

- San Juan de la Maguana
  • From: JPC3671 at aol.com
  • Date: Sat, 20 Jul 2013 14:19:17 -0400 (EDT)
Good afternoon from SJM. Hot, hot, hot. I know my friends back in the New York area don't want to hear this coming from me after the week they've experienced up there. Right now in SJM, the temperature sits at 91F-33C, with a bright blazing sun, and not a cloud in the sky. Traveling to two different municipalities yesterday, Pedro Corto (to the west of SJM), and Juan de Herrera (to the north of SJM), I was able to see the benefits of the recent rainfalls we have experienced in this region. The farmlands and rivers were in desperate need of the rainfalls, following a long dry period to start the year. The rainy season here usually begins in late April, but this year did not begin until late May. And for the most part, the rainfalls we have had, have not been sufficient enough. For the farmers (and employees), this lack of rain, even if only delayed for 4-5 weeks can be extremely harmful, and they are trying to play catchup. On the other hand, when we receive an abundance of rain in a short amount of time, this can be damaging as well. It is a very delicate balance. The rains delivered from the remnants of Chantal, along with the storm that visited us on Thursday evening have contributed nicely to the farmlands and rivers. Stay safe. -Senor Jim

- San Juan de la Maguana
  • From: JPC3671 at aol.com
  • Date: Thu, 18 Jul 2013 23:19:05 -0400 (EDT)
Good evening to all from the western end of the Dominican Republic, San Juan de la Maguana. This afternoon, and into this evening (continuing as I type this), we have been experiencing our first rain event since the remnants of Ms. Chantal passed by us last week. It has been raining here in SJM since 4:30pm this afternoon. We've had drenching downpours, accompanied by severe thunder and lightning which doesn't show any signs of letting up any time soon. The temperature has dropped to 66F, from a high today of 89F. Again, this is the first significant rainfall we've had in a week. We've been experiencing sunny skies every day, mid day high temps ranging from 88-92F, dropping to 72-74F at night time (remember, it is a valley climate here). Here and there, we may have the occasional 10 minute mid-day sunshower, but nothing more to report upon, up until this evening. Stay safe. -Senor Jim

- San Juan de la Maguana
  • From: JPC3671 at aol.com
  • Date: Thu, 11 Jul 2013 10:36:57 -0400 (EDT)
Good morning, and time to dry out here in SJM. The rains of yesterday, which began around 2:30pm, continued through the evening, intensifying around 8pm. The rains finally ended around 4am this morning. There were no breaks in the action, so we're talking about 13.5 hours of continuous rain. The last rainfall like this was last August when Hurricane Isaac struck here, and I was living on the coast in San Pedro de Macoris. Although the rains were significant, we did not experience any lightning or strong wind gusts as other parts of the country reported. As I type this, we have overcast skies, but I'm happy to say, our friend the sun is beginning to break it's way through. Stay safe. -Senor Jim

- San Juan de la Maguana
  • From: JPC3671 at aol.com
  • Date: Wed, 10 Jul 2013 22:40:29 -0400 (EDT)
The rain which started at approximately 2:30 this afternoon, continues to fall
at a more intense rate. The COE (Center of Emergency Operations) has raised 
the
alert status in SJM from green to yellow, due to these rains. Although maps
tracking the storm have showed it lessening, and moving away from the DR, the
remnants of the storm are still here, and should continue throughout the night.
Sadly, in the city of Bonao, within the province of Monsenor Nouel (N/W of Santo
Domingo), a 26 year old fireman lost his life this afternoon while trying to
clear out a debris filled storm drain. Prayers go out for this young man and his
family. Stay safe. -Senor Jim


- !2 hours later....
  • From: Mike Bryant <puntacanamike at gmail.com>
  • Date: Wed, 10 Jul 2013 21:34:38 -0400
here in the east...a total  no event. Hardly a drip of rain, winds that would be considered normal for this time of year. All tours were cancelled today...pity, but understand the blanket policy.

Tonight...dead calm, humid and sticky.

--
Cheers

Mike

Punta Cana Mike's Dominican Adventure
Reality Tours for People Just Like You
829 981 7989

www.puntacanamike.com

puntacanamike at gmail.com

- San Juan de la Maguana
  • From: JPC3671 at aol.com
  • Date: Wed, 10 Jul 2013 18:30:21 -0400 (EDT)
SJM has had continuous rain since 2:30 this afternoon. No downpours, just a steady rain. The humidity is gone, and the temperature has dropped about 10 degrees. In addition, there are no accompanying winds. Just the rain, which would be the equivalent of postponing a baseball game. Although this is good news, the rain is expected to continue for the next 24 to 36 hours. This in itself can cause other difficulties. We'll just have to wait, see, and hope for the best. The city of SJM (the capitol of the province SJM) has very good drainage systems, so flooding is not a major problem in these parts. You will probably see photos or video of flooding due to drainage problems in Santo Domingo and San Pedro de Macoris, as these coastal areas have very poor drainage systems, and usually develop flooding conditions due to run of the mill thunderstorms. Stay safe. -Senor Jim

- San Juan de la Maguana
  • From: JPC3671 at aol.com
  • Date: Wed, 10 Jul 2013 13:49:42 -0400 (EDT)
Just wanted to keep everybody advised, but there is really nothing occurring here in SJM. We've had a few sporadic sprinkles, but nothing more, nothing less. Nothing to keep you from going about your day. Still overcast, and the humidity has lowered. We've had more 'severe' weather over the past 2 weeks in the form of normal seasonal thunderstorm activity. Looks like we avoided a problem with Ms. Chantal, but it was good to see everybody was prepared and ready for this event. The Dominican authorities have done a terrific job with keeping the public alert, and their emergency operations at the ready. Stay safe. -Senor Jim

- San Juan de la Maguana
  • From: JPC3671 at aol.com
  • Date: Wed, 10 Jul 2013 11:45:09 -0400 (EDT)
My beautiful sunny morning is now but a distant memory. Here in SJM it is completely overcast, and the humidity has sharply risen. No wind. No rain. The clouds are neither dark nor intimidating. Rather normal for an overcast day with the threat of rain, although you can cut the humidity with a knife. (Calm before the storm?) Humidity is a rarity in this part of the country because of the mountains and valleys. A different climate than the coastal towns. My experience (I lived in San Pedro de Macoris for 4 years) tells me that there will be a fair amount of water donated to us due to this humidity. Although not a coastal town, SJM can still have it's fair share of problems with substantial rains/winds (rockslides, mudslides, swollen rivers flooding).
The Dominican authorities have done an outstanding job of keeping the public aware through television, radio, and even cellphone alerts with constant updates. The alerts and advisories began yesterday, and continue through today. In the past I've seen them do a very good job with television and radio reports, but this is the first time I've received cellphone updates via text message.
Hopefully, Ms. Chantal just passes, and moves on. We don't need her to stall over us. Stay safe. -Senor Jim

- North Coast DR
  • From: Alex Urban <sosuaalex at gmail.com>
  • Date: Wed, 10 Jul 2013 10:28:54 -0400
Good morning ,

It rains and rains but in Sosua everything is under control !! Let's stay tuned watching "Chantal" during the next days.

Santo Domingo. - The Emergency Operations Center COE- on Tuesday said it watches Tropical Storm Chantals development closely and issued warnings for the entire Caribbean Coast from Cabo Engano in eastern La Altagracia province, to southwestern Pedernales.


Have a great day!

http://www.dr-luxuryrealestate.com/page-weather-and-hurricane-dominican-republic-8.html


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- Chantall in Sano Domingo
  • From: Alejandro Read <alejandro.read at gmail.com>
  • Date: Wed, 10 Jul 2013 10:18:46 -0400
Good Morning y´all

God protected us.....Chantall  has diluted itself into a lot of water. We rather deal with that instead of water+wind.....Yet, a good day for a "sancocho!"
A.Read

- Chantal is here
  • From: Teresia Rosario <galax_y at hotmail.com>
  • Date: Wed, 10 Jul 2013 09:17:51 -0400
Good morning all,

Now we started this season. Last night all news in the country had info about 
the alerts and warnings for the storm. There has been a lot of preparedness and 
evacuations for this storm. 

Anyway looks that its going by more south of us than predicted. 
Here in Sosua we have had a lot of rain the days before. This morning, a bucket 
that was outside overnight, was totally filled with water! 

At eight o'clock it was sunny, but now some rain and thunder started and its a 
total overcast.

Keep safe and be prepared!

I'll be cooking a sancocho(traditional soup/stew)today!


Teresia from sosua, northcoast

JPEG image


- North coast - Puerto Plata
  • From: carol read <carolread1945 at yahoo.com>
  • Date: Wed, 10 Jul 2013 13:38:26 +0100 (BST)
We had some wind yesterday and a torrential rain band last night dropped 1.4 inches on us.  Now it is calm but the sunshine has gone and I can hear thunder getting closer, so more rain on the way.  And it has just arrived!   The dogs are trembling and have rushed indoors - they hate thunder!

- Good Morning From San Juan de la Maguana
  • From: JPC3671 at aol.com
  • Date: Wed, 10 Jul 2013 07:59:58 -0400 (EDT)
Good morning to all from the western end of the Dominican Republic...San Juan de la Maguana. As of this time, all is normal here. I awoke this morning to sunny skies, with a temperature of 77F-25C, and the birdies chirping. All maps seem to be painting a gloomy picture for us today, but looking out the window right now, you wouldn't know it. Again, as of right now, all is normal. Stay safe. -Senor Jim

- Another Non Event....
  • From: Mike Bryant <puntacanamike at gmail.com>
  • Date: Wed, 10 Jul 2013 07:31:20 -0400
Like many we here in Punta Cana were anticipating a bit of a rough day here when you look back 2 days. That 48 hour window always seems to favour us as models initially have systems coming towards us, only to reach that 24 hour window and have the course divert, which has happened once again.

I woke at 3am to take a look around...calm night. &am and time to get up...what did I see? A bright glow of sunshine and a few non-threatening clouds. Looks to be a decent day today locally, and life will go on like any other day.

--
Cheers

Mike

Punta Cana Mike's Dominican Adventure
Reality Tours for People Just Like You
829 981 7989

www.puntacanamike.com

puntacanamike at gmail.com

- weather in the DR
  • From: Alejandro Read <alejandro.read at gmail.com>
  • Date: Sat, 6 Jul 2013 16:03:15 -0400
YES. we are still alive.....and looking at that invest in the atlantic....I dont like where it is forming, we in Hispaniola have bad memories of hurricanes forming in that area. Lets pray it does not develope.
Here in Santo Domingo we have had a series of waves that have brought us lots of rain (needed after a long drought)
Keep in touch and keep safe
A- Read

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