Friday, July 2, 2021, with the approach of Cat. 1 hurricane Elsa on the Saffir-Simpson scale (winds from 118 to 153 km/h), the General Directorate of Civil Protection (DPC) launched the level of orange vigilance throughout the national territory.

At 5am., the center of Hurricane Elsa was located at 16.2 north latitude and 69.0 west longitude. Elsa is moving very quickly West-Northwest at almost 31 mph (50 km/h). A decrease in its travel speed is expected later in the day and Sunday, followed by a turn to the northwest on Sunday evening or Monday.

According to her trajectory Elsa will move along the south coast of the island Hispaniola, along the Dominican coasts (in red alert and which has started the evacuations in particular in the South-West), before affecting the entire southern penisula of Haiti (in particular the South-East, the West, the Nippes, the South and the Grande-Anse).

Maximum sustained winds have diminished to nearly 75 mph (120 km/h) with higher gusts. Little change in strength is expected today. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 25 miles (35 km) from the center and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 220 km.

The hurricane could cause heavy rains and severe thunderstorms. Cumulative precipitation is estimated to be between 100 and 200 millimeters and more in mountainous areas.

As of tonight, Elsa will cause waves on the southern coasts that could exceed 3 meters and storm surge (submersion of low coasts) and dangerous sea conditions in the coastal waters of Haiti.

The DPC together with the Hydro Meteorological Unit of Haiti (UHM) ask residents of areas at risk of flooding, landslides and landslides to remain vigilant and apply the usual safety instructions :

Some safety tips :

- Stay tuned to the Meteorological bulletins;

- Follow the instructions issued by local authorities;

- Secure important papers. ;

- Prepare food kits;

Build or revise your emergency kit;

- If you live in an area at risk, near a ravine, a stream or near the coast, make arrangements to move to accommodation or shelter less exposed to flooding;

- Do not cross flooded rivers under any circumstances;

Secure anything that can be blown away and that is outside the house.

In addition to the risks associated with meteorological hazards, the population must continue to protect themselves from Covid-19, by respecting the hygiene and physical distancing instructions of the Ministry of Public Health.

To be continued..

See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34117-haiti-flash-storm-elsa-expected-saturday-the-country-on-alert.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34118-haiti-flash-storm-elsa-becomes-a-cat-1-hurricane.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34109-haiti-weather-tropical-storm-elsa-is-approaching-haiti.html

HL/ HaitiLibre