According to the National Hurricane Center of Miami, Laura Tropical Storm conditions are expected across portions of the northern Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico today through Saturday 23/08/2020. Tropical Storm conditions are also expected along the northern of the Dominican Republic and Haiti from Saturday into Sunday 24 August. Heavy rainfall is likely across these areas beginning this Saturday 23 August and could cause mudslides and flash and urban flooding through Sunday.
The details of the long-range track and intensity forecasts remain more uncertain than usual since Laura is forecast to move near or over portions of the Greater Antilles through Monday. However, Laura could bring storm surge, rainfall, and wind impacts to portions of Cuba, the Bahamas and Florida early next week and the northern U.S. Gulf Coast by the middle of next week. Interests there should monitor the progress of Laura and updates to the forecast during the next few days.
The Hydrometeorological Unit of Haiti (UHM) and Emergency Operations Center of DRC (COE in Spanish) are constantly monitoring the phenomenon. The institutions are also preparing their resources to provide first response, distribute NFI's and prepare spaces to enable shelters if necessary.
The path of Tropic Storm Laura is now headed towards the USA. Humanitarian Advisors continues to monitor the humanitarian impact of Tropic Storm Laura in Haiti and the Dominican Republic.