CARIBBEAN ON ALERT AS THUNDERSTORM GRACE MOVES TOWARD THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

The US-based National Hurricane Centre has warned that Tropical Depression Grace is expected to bring heavy rains to the Dominican Republic and Haiti.

A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for the entire coast of the Dominican Republic and the entire coast of Haiti.

Tropical storm conditions are possible in the Dominican Republic today, and in Haiti today into tonight.

Interests elsewhere in Cuba, Jamaica, and the Cayman Islands should monitor the progress of Grace, the NHC warns.

At 5am AST, the centre of Tropical Depression Grace was located about 160 miles (260 km) east-southeast of Port Au Prince, Haiti. The depression is moving toward the west near 15 mph (24 km/h). A west to west-northwestward motion is expected over the next several days.

Maximum sustained winds are near 35 mph (55 km/h) with higher gusts. The estimated minimum central pressure is 1010 mb (29.83 inches).change in strength is forecast to occur during the next day or two. Little change in strength is forecast during the next day or so. Slow strengthening is expected to begin by Tuesday.

The system is expected to produce the following rainfall amounts today into Tuesday:

Over Haiti and the Dominican Republic, 5 to 10 inches of rain with isolated maximum totals of 15 inches are expected across the southern terrain areas through Tuesday. This heavy rainfall may lead to flash and urban flooding, and possible mudslides.

Over Cuba, Jamaica, and the Cayman Islands, 2 to 4 inches of rain with isolated maximum totals of 6 inches are expected through Thursday.