HTH -- Haiti Earthquake

July 23, 2010. Government Warning Issued for Haiti

SOURCE: U.S. Department of State

U.S. Embassy Port-au-Prince released the following Warden Message on July 21, 2010:

The U.S. Embassy is transmitting the following Warden Message regarding weather conditions associated with a tropical wave front which may affect many areas of Haiti.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has advised that showers and thunderstorms associated with a vigorous tropical wave are currently affecting Hispaniola. Environmental conditions are expected to be favorable for additional development, and the NHC states that there is a 60% chance of this system becoming a tropical depression or storm during the next 48 hours. Regardless of development, heavy rainfall and gusty winds will likely affect Haiti during the next couple of days. The NHC also warns that the heavy rains currently affecting Haiti could cause life-threatening flash floods and mudslides in mountainous areas.

The Haitian national weather service (Service National de Meteorologie - SNM) and the Haitian Bureau of Civil Protection (BPC) have issued an alert for flash floods and landslides for residents living along rivers, creeks and low-lying areas in many provinces of Haiti. SNM also forecasts heavy showers and thunderstorms along with occasional wind gusts in many areas. U.S. citizens should monitor local radio, the National Weather Service at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/index.shtml and local media to stay aware of any weather developments in their area.

Minor tropical storms can develop into hurricanes very quickly, limiting the time available for a safe evacuation. Travelers should apprise family and friends in the United States of their whereabouts, and keep in close contact with their tour operator, hotel staff, and local officials for evacuation instructions in the event of a weather emergency. Travelers should also protect their travel and identity documents against loss or damage, as the need to replace lost documentation could hamper or delay return to the United States.

The U.S. Embassy will update this warden message if new information becomes available. American citizens should stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times.