The month of December, considered atypical for cyclonic activity, has recorded only three cyclones that directly impacted the territory of the Dominican Republic in the last century. According to the data of the Dominican Institute of Meteorology (INDOMET)these events occurred in 1984, 2003 and 2007, highlighting the rarity of these phenomena outside the official cyclonic season, which runs from June 1 to November 30.
1984: Tropical Storm Lili
On December 12, 1984, a low pressure near Samaná, in the northeast of the country, evolved into a tropical storm, being named Lili by the United States National Hurricane Center (NHC).
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- Impact: It caused downpours, gusts of wind and abnormal waves in the provinces of Samaná, Hato Mayor and El Seibo.
- Path: Lili moved north across the Atlantic Ocean, quickly moving away from the national territory, which minimized the damage.
2003: Tropical Storm Odette
On December 4, 2003, another low pressure located in the south of the country evolved into a tropical storm, being named Odette.
- Direct Impact: Odette made landfall in the province of Barahona on December 6 and moved through San José de Ocoa and San Juan, leaving the country between Puerto Plata and María Trinidad Sánchez.
- Consequences: It generated intense rains, gusts of wind and landslides, affecting agriculture, infrastructure and causing urban flooding in the most vulnerable areas.
- Particularity: It was the first tropical storm recorded in the month of December to directly impact the Caribbean since 1984.
2007: Tropical Storm Olga
The last cyclone recorded in December was Olga, which formed on December 10, 2007 northeast of the Lesser Antilles.
- Path: Olga entered the Dominican Republic on December 11 through the province of La Altagracia, traveling through Hato Mayor, El Seibo, Monte Plata, San Juan and Elías Piña before leaving the national territory.
- Impact: Torrential rains and gusts of wind caused river flooding, urban flooding and forced the preventive draining of reservoirs. The material and economic damages were significant, particularly in vulnerable communities.
- Regional Scope: Olga also affected Puerto Rico before impacting the Dominican Republic, which reinforces its broad and atypical character.
Historical and Statistical Perspective
The formation of cyclones in December is extremely rare. According to the NHC, less than 3% of recorded tropical cyclones in the Atlantic basin have occurred outside the official season.
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In particular, the Dominican Republic, due to its location, is most exposed during the peak months of cyclonic activity: August, September and October.
Summary of the 2024 Cyclonic Season
The 2024 cyclonic season was considered active, with the formation of 18 cyclonic systems.
- Featured cyclones:
- 11 hurricanes, of which 5 reached the category of intense hurricanes with winds exceeding 178 km/h.
- 7 tropical storms with winds between 63 and 118 km/h.
- 1 potential tropical cyclone that did not reach storm classification due to the absence of a closed circulation.
- Last event: Tropical Storm Sara, formed on November 13, marked the close of the season.
Future Risk and Preparedness
Although December is not historically a month prone to cyclonic activity, the three recorded events highlight the need to be prepared for unexpected phenomena.
Experts suggest that climate change could alter traditional weather patterns, increasing the likelihood of extreme off-season events.
