Santo Domingo.- The Emergency Operations Center (COE) has extended the yellow alert to nine provinces and the National District, while maintaining a green alert in 16 provinces due to unstable weather conditions associated with a trough and a moisture-rich air mass.

According to INDOMET, the conditions will favor the development of heavy to torrential downpours, thunderstorms, possible hail and strong wind gusts, with the greatest impact expected initially in the southwest, border area, Caribbean coast, and eastern plains before spreading to other parts of the country.

The yellow alert covers Greater Santo Domingo, the National District, Puerto Plata, Pedernales, Independencia, Bahoruco, Barahona, Espaillat, and Santiago.

The 16 provinces under green alert are San Cristóbal, Monseñor Nouel, La Vega, San Pedro de Macorís, Dajabón, San José de Ocoa, Valverde, La Romana, Azua, Peravia, La Altagracia, Santiago Rodríguez, Elías Piña, Hermanas Mirabal, Monte Cristi, and San Juan.

Authorities warned residents to avoid crossing rivers, streams, and ravines with elevated water levels, as well as using beaches and other swimming areas in provinces under alert.