Tropical Storm Erika#Effects in Dominica

{{storm path|Erika 2015 path.png|colors=new}}

On August 20, 2015, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) began monitoring a tropical wave over western Africa, near the Atlantic shore.{{cite report|author=Eric S. Blake|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=August 20, 2015|access-date=August 28, 2015|title=Tropical Weather Outlook|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/text/TWOAT/2015/TWOAT.201508201154.txt|location=Miami, Florida}} The disorganized system emerged over the Atlantic Ocean several hundred miles southeast of the Cape Verde Islands the following day.{{cite report|author=Richard J. Pasch and Andrew B. Penny|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=February 8, 2016|access-date=March 8, 2016|title=Tropical Storm Erika|series=Tropical Cyclone Report|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/data/tcr/AL052015_Erika.pdf|location=Miami, Florida}}{{cite report|author=Stacy R. Stewart|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=August 20, 2015|access-date=August 28, 2015|title=Tropical Weather Outlook|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/text/TWOAT/2015/TWOAT.201508201741.txt|location=Miami, Florida}} Moving quickly west, the system bypassed the Cape Verde Islands to the south on August 22,{{cite report|author=John P. Cangialosi|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=August 22, 2015|access-date=August 28, 2015|title=Tropical Weather Outlook|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/text/TWOAT/2015/TWOAT.201508220528.txt|location=Miami, Florida}} but remained largely disorganized. A sharp trough developed within expanding deep convection on August 23, though a well-defined circulation did not consolidate. Organization of the low improved throughout the day as environmental conditions favored tropical cyclogenesis.{{cite report|author=Todd B. Kimberlain|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=August 23, 2015|access-date=August 28, 2015|title=Tropical Weather Outlook|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/text/TWOAT/2015/TWOAT.201508231751.txt|location=Miami, Florida}} The trough acquired gale-force winds the following day and finally developed a closed circulation by 18:00 UTC. The formation of a closed low marked the transition into a tropical cyclone; accordingly, the system was classified as Tropical Storm Erika, the fifth named storm of the annual hurricane season. Upon its designation, Erika was situated roughly 1,035 mi (1,665 km) east of the Lesser Antilles. The storm maintained a brisk westward trajectory, steered by a subtropical ridge to the north.{{cite report|author=Daniel P. Brown|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=August 25, 2015|access-date=August 30, 2015|title=Tropical Storm Erika Discussion Number 1|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/al05/al052015.discus.001.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}}

At the time of Erika's classification, forecast models diverged significantly on the potential future of the storm. Statistical guidance and the HWRF depicted a hurricane while the ECMWF and GFS showed a weaker system due to increasing wind shear. The models that intensified the storm indicated a more northerly track while those that kept it weaker had the system continuing along a westward course. Accordingly, the NHC noted low confidence in their five-day forecast for Erika. This uncertainty ultimately reflected in above-average forecast errors when compared to all tropical cyclones, but roughly average for weak, poorly organized systems.{{cite web|author=James L. Franklin|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|date=September 10, 2015|access-date=March 8, 2016|title=After Further Review: Tropical Storm Erika|url=https://noaanhc.wordpress.com/2015/09/10/after-further-review-tropical-storm-erika/}} Throughout August 25 and into early August 26, the convective organization of Erika fluctuated due to wind shear and entrainment of dry air, periodically leaving the center of circulation devoid of convection.{{cite report|author=Richard J. Pasch|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=August 25, 2015|access-date=August 30, 2015|title=Tropical Storm Erika Discussion Number 3|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/al05/al052015.discus.003.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}}

• {{cite report|author=Richard J. Pasch|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=August 25, 2015|access-date=August 30, 2015|title=Tropical Storm Erika Discussion Number 4|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/al05/al052015.discus.004.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}}
• {{cite report|author=Lixion A. Avila|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=August 25, 2015|access-date=August 30, 2015|title=Tropical Storm Erika Discussion Number 5|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/al05/al052015.discus.005.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}}
• {{cite report|author=Michael J. Brennan|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=August 26, 2015|access-date=August 30, 2015|title=Tropical Storm Erika Discussion Number 6|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/al05/al052015.discus.006.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}} Early on August 27, Erika managed to intensify slightly, attaining its peak intensity with maximum sustained winds of {{cvt|50|mph}} and a barometric pressure of {{cvt|1001|mbar|inHg}}. Around 09:00 UTC, the disorganized center of Erika passed near the northern tip of Guadeloupe, before emerging over the eastern Caribbean Sea.

File:Tropical Storm Erika 2015 forecast errors.png

Convection remained poorly-organized and mostly confined to eastern portions of the cyclone, as it traversed the eastern Caribbean Sea.{{cite report|author=Michael J. Brennan|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=August 27, 2015|access-date=August 30, 2015|title=Tropical Storm Erika Discussion Number 10|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/al05/al052015.discus.010.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}} Multiple circulation centers were noted during the overnight of August 27–28, all rotating around a broad general center. One such center moved over St. Croix and produced gale-force gusts. Environmental conditions ahead of the storm became increasingly hostile, and forecasters at the NHC continued to note unusually high uncertainty in their forecasts.{{cite report|author=Lixion A. Avila|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=August 28, 2015|access-date=August 30, 2015|title=Tropical Storm Erika Discussion Number 13|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/al05/al052015.discus.013.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}} Further structural degradation ensued on August 28 as Erika approached the Dominican Republic. Based on data from Hurricane Hunters, Erika degenerated into a broad area of low pressure—no longer meeting the definition of a tropical cyclone—shortly after 12:00 UTC, near the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic. Operationally, the NHC maintained advisories on Erika until 13:30 UTC on August 29.{{cite report|author=Jack L. Beven|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=August 29, 2015|access-date=August 30, 2015|title=Remnants of Erika Special Discussion Number 19|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/al05/al052015.discus.019.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}} It was also noted during those advisories that the center was completely devoid of convection, and whatever convection remained was reduced to the eastern half of the system.

Around 21:00 UTC on August 28, the remnants of Erika made landfall along the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic.{{cite report|author=Jack L. Beven|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=August 28, 2015|access-date=August 30, 2015|title=Tropical Storm Erika Public Advisory Number 16|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/al05/al052015.public.016.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}} The disheveled system emerged over the Windward Passage early on August 29.{{cite report|author=Michael Brennan|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=August 29, 2015|access-date=April 22, 2017|title=Tropical Storm Erika Discussion Number 18|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/al05/al052015.discus.018.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}} Thereafter, the system skirted the northern coast of Cuba and entered the Gulf of Mexico on August 31. Turning northward, the disturbance eventually crossed northern Florida on September 2, before dissipating over Georgia on the following day.

File:Tropical Storm Erika 2015 forecast advisory 14.GIF (09:00 UTC) on August 28, just before its dissipation as a tropical cyclone, depicting the storm traversing the Dominican Republic, brushing the Bahamas, and moving across the entirety of the Florida Peninsula.]]

Various local governments issued tropical storm watches and warnings for their respective nations throughout the duration of Erika. Watches and warnings covered the Lesser Antilles from Guadeloupe northward, almost the entirety of the Greater Antilles, and the Bahamas. The Red Cross opened four shelters to the public across the United States Virgin Islands.{{cite web|publisher=Red Cross|date=August 28, 2015|access-date=April 22, 2015|title=Red Cross Prepares for TS Erika|url=http://www.redcross.org/news/article/Storms-Threaten-Wildfires-Rage-Red-Cross-Helps}} The local Health Department also opened special needs shelters on St. Croix and St. Thomas. All non-essential government personnel were given administrative leave on August 27. Owing to rough seas, local ports temporarily closed. Although airports remained open, several airlines cancelled flights.{{cite web|author=Joy Blackburn |publisher=Virgin Island Daily News |date=August 27, 2015 |access-date=August 28, 2015 |title=Residents urged to seek shelter, ports close as Erika nears |url=http://virginislandsdailynews.com/news/residents-urged-to-seek-shelter-ports-close-as-erika-nears-1.1933051 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20151220052654/http://virginislandsdailynews.com/news/residents-urged-to-seek-shelter-ports-close-as-erika-nears-1.1933051 |archive-date=December 20, 2015 |url-status=dead }} A territory-wide curfew was imposed until the afternoon of August 28.{{cite web|date=August 28, 2015|title=Erika soaks Puerto Rico after 4 killed in Dominica|work=WPLG |url=http://www.local10.com/news/tropical-storm-erika-soaks-puerto-rico-after-4-killed-in-dominica|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170423063245/http://www.local10.com/news/tropical-storm-erika-soaks-puerto-rico-after-4-killed-in-dominica|archive-date=April 23, 2017|access-date=August 28, 2015|publisher=WPLG|location=San Juan, Puerto Rico|agency=Associated Press}}

Schools, ports, and beaches were closed across the Dominican Republic. The Army of the Dominican Republic deployed 275 soldiers and alongside the nation's Air Force, assisted with the evacuation of residents. The Navy was placed on standby for potential search and rescue operations.{{cite report|work=Government of the Dominican Republic|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=August 29, 2015|access-date=August 30, 2015|title=Informe de Situación Por Sector No.3 Tormenta Tropical Erika, 11:00 am|url=http://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/Informe_3_Tormenta_Tropical_Erika.pdf|language=es}} Officials in Haiti suspended air service, banned highway travel between departments, and ordered small watercraft to remain at port. Evacuation shelters were opened across all departments and 254 prisoners were relocated from Gonaïves to three other facilities.{{cite web|language=fr|work=AlterPresse|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=August 29, 2015|access-date=March 8, 2016|title=Haïti-Erika : Quatre morts et une douzaine de blessés, selon les premières informations|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/haiti/ha-ti-erika-quatre-morts-et-une-douzaine-de-bless-s-selon-les-premi-res-informations}}

On August 28, Florida Governor Rick Scott declared a state of emergency.{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=August 28, 2015|access-date=August 28, 2015|title=Florida Declares State of Emergency as Tropical Storm Erika Nears|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/deadly-storm-erika-moves-on-from-dominica-to-lash-puerto-rico-1440765522|location=Tallahassee, Florida}} Despite the storm dissipating shortly thereafter, Scott kept the emergency declaration in place and stated, "This storm has been completely unpredictable the whole time...we will still get a lot of rain and a lot of flooding." Thirty members of the Florida National Guard were positioned while another 8,000 were placed on standby. A collective 17 flights were cancelled at Miami International Airport and Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport on August 28.{{cite news|author=Emon Reiser|newspaper=South Florida Business Journal|date=August 28, 2015|access-date=August 30, 2015|title=Tropical Storm Erika: Miami, Fort Lauderdale airports cancel flights|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/news/2015/08/28/tropical-storm-erika-miami-fort-lauderdale.html}} Schools in Hendry County preemptively closed for August 31, with officials citing flooding concerns.{{cite web|work=news-press.com|date=August 28, 2015|access-date=August 30, 2015|title=Hendry County cancels school Monday, others wait for Sunday update|url=http://www.news-press.com/story/news/education/2015/08/28/erika-tropical-storm-monday-school-lee-charlotte-collier-glades-hendry/71324576/|location=Fort Myers, Florida}} The National Park Service shut down Biscayne National Park on August 28,[https://www.nps.gov/bisc/learn/news/biscayne-national-park-closures-in-preparation-for-tropical-storm-erika.htm Biscayne National Park Closures in Preparation for Tropical Storm Erika], NPS.gov, August 28, 2015 and Dry Tortugas National Park and Everglades National Park on August 29.[https://www.nps.gov/drto/learn/news/dry-tortugas-announces-closures-due-to-tropical-storm-erika.htm Dry Tortugas announces closures due to Tropical Storm Erika], NPS.gov, August 28, 2015[https://www.nps.gov/ever/learn/news/everglades-announces-closures-in-preparation-for-tropical-storm-eria.htm Everglades announces closures in preparation for Tropical Storm Eria], NPS.gov, August 28, 2015 Sandbags were distributed to residents in Doral, Hallandale Beach, Hollywood, and Sweetwater.{{cite web|author=Amanda Batchelor|publisher=WPLG|date=August 28, 2015|access-date=August 30, 2015|title=Sandbags given out in South Florida before Tropical Storm Erika|url=http://www.local10.com/weather/sandbags-given-out-to-residents-in-doral-friday/34973058|location=Doral, Florida}} The

last hurricane to impact the state was Hurricane Wilma in 2005. Since that time, the state's population grew by 2 million with many presumed to have never experienced a hurricane before.{{cite web|author=Sean Breslin|publisher=The Weather Channel|date=August 29, 2015|access-date=August 30, 2015|title=Governor: State of Emergency Still In Effect For Florida as Erika Remnants Approach|url=http://www.weather.com/safety/hurricane/news/erika-florida-preparations-impacts}} Some newer residents remained apathetic over the storm, dismissing it as "another excuse to skip work or school or to party."{{cite web|author=Alan Gomez|work=USA Today|date=August 28, 2015|access-date=August 30, 2015|title=Miami residents still on alert despite weakening Tropical Storm Erika|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2015/08/28/miami-residents-tropical-storm-erika-threat/71302674/|location=Miami, Florida}}

In Guadeloupe, rain totals reached {{cvt|100|mm|in}} in Basse-Terre while gusts peaked at {{cvt|100|km/h|mph}} on La Désirade. Some landslides and flooding were reported, with roads in Basse-Terre temporarily closed. Électricité de France reported that 1,600 customers lost power during the storm.{{cite magazine|agency=Agence France-Presse|magazine=L'Express|date=August 28, 2015|access-date=August 28, 2015|title=Guadeloupe: le passage de la tempête Erika provoque de fortes précipitations|url=http://www.lexpress.fr/actualites/1/societe/guadeloupe-le-passage-de-la-tempete-erika-provoque-de-fortes-precipitations_1710263.html|location=Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe|language=fr}} Rough seas in Martinique grounded boats.{{cite web|publisher=France-Antilles|date=August 27, 2015|access-date=August 30, 2015|title=Forte houle à Schoelcher, bateaux échoués|url=http://www.martinique.franceantilles.fr/actualite/faitsdivers/forte-houle-a-schoelcher-bateaux-echoues-320958.php|language=fr}} Landslides and felled trees blocked several roadways across the island.{{cite web|author=Laurie-Anne Virassamy|publisher=France Télévisions|date=August 27, 2015|access-date=August 30, 2015|title=Erika perturbe la Martinique|url=http://martinique.la1ere.fr/2015/08/27/erika-perturbe-la-martinique-282389.html|language=fr}} Elsewhere in the Lesser Antilles, effects from Erika were negligible.

File:Erika 20150827 1445-2145 UTC.gif on August 27]]

The outer bands of Erika brought much needed rain to drought-stricken Puerto Rico; a station in Adjuntas recorded {{cvt|4.45|in|mm}} of rain. Tropical storm-force wind gusts, peaking at {{cvt|59|mph|km/h}} in Maricao, caused substantial disruption to the power grid, leaving approximately 250,000 people without electricity.{{cite report|agency=National Weather Service Office in San Juan, Puerto Rico|publisher=National Climatic Data Center|year=2015|access-date=March 8, 2016|title=Puerto Rico Event Report: Tropical Storm|url=http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=600782}} Thirty-six homes sustained roof damage across interior locations of the territory and agriculture sustained US$17.37 million in damage.{{cite report|agency=National Weather Service Office in San Juan, Puerto Rico|publisher=National Climatic Data Center|year=2015|access-date=March 8, 2016|title=Puerto Rico Event Report: Tropical Storm|url=http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=599789}}

A weather station in Barahona, Dominican Republic, measured {{cvt|24.26|in|mm}} of rain during Erika's passage, including {{cvt|8.8|in|mm}} in a single hour. Surrounding areas reported significantly less rain, however.{{cite web|author=Jeff Masters|publisher=Weather Underground|date=August 29, 2015|access-date=August 30, 2015|title=Erika Dissipates|url=http://www.wunderground.com/blog/JeffMasters/comment.html?entrynum=3095|archive-date=August 31, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150831011017/http://www.wunderground.com/blog/JeffMasters/comment.html?entrynum=3095|url-status=dead}} Throughout the country, 823 homes suffered damage and 7,345 people were displaced. Erika blocked over 400 roads and left many power outages.{{cite news|url=http://www.dominicantoday.com/dr/local/2015/8/29/56269/Erika-leaves-over-7300-displaced-in-Dominican-Republic#comments|title=Erika leaves over 7,300 displaced in Dominican Republic|date=August 29, 2015|newspaper=Dominican Today|access-date=August 30, 2015|location=Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic}} Winds gusts of {{cvt|50|mph}} in Azua caused at least RD$400 million (US$8.91 million) in damage to the banana crop.{{cite web|author=Rentería Montero|publisher=CDN|date=August 29, 2015|access-date=August 30, 2015|title=Vientos tormenta Erika arrasan con plantaciones plátanos en Valle de Azua|url=http://cdn.com.do/2015/08/29/vientos-tormenta-erika-arrasan-con-plantaciones-platanos-en-valle-de-azua/|language=es}} Heavy rainfall also impacted Haiti, which was still recovering from a catastrophic earthquake in 2010; an estimated 60,000 people remained in emergency housing. Four persons died and eleven others were hospitalized in Léogâne, when a truck crashed into a bus on rain-slicked roads and exploded.{{cite web|title=Tropical Storm Erika dissipates after killing 20 in Caribbean|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/ct-tropical-storm-erika-20150829-story.html|newspaper=Chicago Tribune|agency=The Associated Press|date=August 29, 2015|access-date=April 22, 2017|location=Havana, Cuba}} A fifth death occurred during a landslide in Port-au-Prince. Two people in the area were injured after a house collapsed.

The remnants of Erika later brought much needed rains to Cuba, which was suffering from its worst drought since 1901.{{cite web|author=Francisco Jara|agency=Agence France-Presse|publisher=Nahar Net|date=August 30, 2015|access-date=August 30, 2015|title=Tropical storm Erika drenches parched Cuba|url=http://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/188657|location=Havana, Cuba}}

File:Tropical Storm Erika 2015 rainfall graphic.gif

Later, Erika's remnants dropped locally heavy rainfall across Florida, particularly in the Miami Metropolitan Area. A station northwest of Sweetwater observed {{cvt|9|in|mm}} of rain. Minor flash flooding left streets in Wynwood impassable.{{cite report|agency=National Weather Service Office in Miami, Florida|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2015|access-date=April 18, 2017|title=Florida Event Report: Flood|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=596775}} Farther north in Flagler County, scattered thunderstorms produced isolated instances of heavy rain; {{cvt|2.2|in|mm}} fell within one hour in Palm Coast.{{cite report|agency=National Weather Service Office in Jacksonville, Florida|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2015|access-date=April 18, 2017|title=Florida Event Report: Heavy Rain|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=599076}} In the greater Jacksonville area, lightning struck the Sally B. Mathis Elementary School, resulting in damage to the air conditioning unit and evacuation of students.{{cite report|agency=National Weather Service Office in Jacksonville, Florida|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2015|access-date=April 18, 2017|title=Florida Event Report: Lightning|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=599075}} In neighboring Georgia, moisture from Erika's remnants fueled scattered severe thunderstorms. Large hail caused US$2.3 million in damage near Woodstock.{{cite report|agency=National Weather Service Office in Atlanta, Georgia|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2015|access-date=April 18, 2017|title=Georgia Event Report: Hail|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=599265}} Strong winds gusting up to {{cvt|60|mph}} accompanied these storms, downing trees and power lines in Cherokee, Polk, and Troup counties.{{cite report|agency=National Weather Service Office in Atlanta, Georgia|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2015|access-date=April 18, 2017|title=Georgia Event Report: Thunderstorm Wind|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=599268}}{{cite report|agency=National Weather Service Office in Atlanta, Georgia|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2015|access-date=April 18, 2017|title=Georgia Event Report: Thunderstorm Wind|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=599266}}{{cite report|agency=National Weather Service Office in Atlanta, Georgia|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2015|access-date=April 18, 2017|title=Georgia Event Report: Thunderstorm Wind|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=599267}} Additional rainfall extended north through the Carolinas.{{cite report|publisher=Weather Prediction Center|date=February 10, 2016|title=Remains of Erika|author=David M. Roth|access-date=September 10, 2016|url=http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/erika2015filledrainwhite.gif|format=GIF}}

File:Petite Savanne, Dominica, after Tropical Storm Erika.jpg

Although Erika passed well to the north of Dominica as a weak tropical storm, torrential rain associated with the storm impacted the country. Unusually high precipitable water values of {{cvt|67|mm|in|disp=flip}} were present over the island as Erika moved through. Orographic influence exacerbated rainfall rates, and this was further compounded with the formation of a temporary mesoscale low over the island as the primary circulation of Erika continued west.{{cite journal |last1=Nugent and Rios-Berrios |title=Factors Leading to Extreme Precipitation on Dominica from Tropical Storm Erika (2015) |journal=Monthly Weather Review |date=2018 |volume=146 |issue=2 |pages=525–541 |doi=10.1175/MWR-D-17-0242.1 |bibcode=2018MWRv..146..525N |doi-access=free }} More than {{cvt|200|mm|in|disp=flip|sigfig=1}} of rain fell across the entire island in less than 48 hours, with an island-wide average of {{cvt|610|mm|in|disp=flip}}.{{refn|The majority of rainfall amounts across the island were calculated through analyses of radar data with bias corrections.|group="nb"}} During the period of heaviest rain, average rainfall across the entire island exceeded {{cvt|90|mm|in|disp=flip}} per hour. Rates along the Macoucherie River reached {{cvt|270|mm|in|disp=flip}} per hour. The heaviest rain was concentrated around the nation's tallest mountain, Morne Diablotins, where an estimated {{cvt|800|to|850|mm|in|disp=flip}} fell. Rainfall across Morne Diablotin National Park generally exceeded {{cvt|600|mm|in|disp=flip}}. A secondary peak accumulation of {{cvt|650|to|700|mm|in|disp=flip}} occurred in the southeastern part of the island around Morne Trois Pitons. Observed accumulations include {{cvt|17|in|mm}} at Gleau Gommier,{{cite news|url= https://washdiplomat.com/tiny-dominica-seeks-us-help-to-rebuild-after-erikas-devastation/ |title=Tiny Dominica Seeks U.S. Help To Rebuild After Erika's Devastation |author=Larry Luxner |newspaper=The Washington Diplomat |date=November 24, 2015 |access-date=2020-11-15}} {{cvt|12.62|in|mm}} at Canefield Airport, and {{cvt|8.74|in|mm}} at Douglas–Charles Airport. With grounds already saturated from nearly two weeks of rain prior to Erika, much of the precipitation did not penetrate the surface; in multiple watersheds, runoff exceeded 60 percent of accumulations.

Catastrophic flash flooding and mudslides ensued across the island, resulting in Dominica's worst natural disaster since Hurricane David in 1979.{{cite journal|author=Paul J. Hebert|access-date=August 28, 2015|title=Atlantic Hurricane Season of 1979|journal=Monthly Weather Review|date=July 1, 1980|volume=108|issue=7|pages=973–990|doi=10.1175/1520-0493(1980)108<0973:AHSO>2.0.CO;2|publisher=American Meteorological Society|url=http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/general/lib/lib1/nhclib/mwreviews/1979.pdf|bibcode = 1980MWRv..108..973H }}{{cite web|publisher=The Dominican|date=August 28, 2015|access-date=August 28, 2015|title=At least 27 dead in Petite Savanne following Erika|url=http://www.thedominican.net/2015/08/twenty-seven-dead-in-dominica.html}} Across the island's rugged terrain, the mudslides temporarily dammed overflowing rivers creating a buildup of water. These earthen dams subsequently collapsed, leading to amplified flooding downstream. Flow rates in these localized events vastly exceeded values expected by International Commission on Large Dams modeling. A post-storm study of 16 rivers on the island revealed peak discharge values in excess of 1,000 m³/s along 5 rivers, with a maximum of 2,876 m³/s along the Malabuka River.{{cite report|author=Fred L. Ogden|publisher=Government of Dominica|date=March 19, 2016|access-date=March 21, 2017|title=Indirect Peak Discharge Measurements on the Island of Dominica Associated with Extreme Rainfall from Tropical Storm Erika, August 27, 2015, with Modeling and Analysis|url=http://www.dvrp.gov.dm/phocadownload/Indirect%20Peak%20Discharge%20from%20TS_Erika_Final_Report_Dominica.pdf}}

Nearly 17,000 of the nation's 71,293 people were severely impacted by the storm. A total of 30 people were killed, 20 others were injured, and 574 people were left homeless.{{cite report|work=International Federation of Red Cross And Red Crescent Societies|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=January 21, 2016|access-date=March 8, 2016|title=Dominica: Tropical Storm Erika - Emergency appeal operations update no. 1 (MDRDM002)|url=http://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/MDRDM002eu1.pdf}} More than 890 homes were destroyed or rendered uninhabitable.{{cite web|agency=Government of Dominica|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=October 2, 2015|access-date=March 13, 2016|title=PM Skerrit addresses the nation a month after Erika|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/dominica/pm-skerrit-addresses-nation-month-after-erika}} Infrastructure suffered tremendous damage: 6 percent of bridges and 17 percent of roads were wiped out. Furthermore, half of the nation's bridges and a quarter of its roads were damaged.{{cite report|author=Marshall Alexander|agency=Government of Dominica|publisher=World Meteorological Organization|series=RA IV Hurricane Committee Thirty-Eighth Session|date=April 23, 2016|access-date=March 21, 2017|title=[WMO County Report: Dominica]|url=http://www.wmo.int/pages/prog/www/tcp/documents/DominicaPPTHC38.pdf}} Total losses amounted to EC$1.3 billion (US$482.8 million), roughly 90 percent of Dominica's gross domestic product.{{cite report|work=International Federation of Red Cross And Red Crescent Societies|publisher=ReliefWeb |date=January 21, 2016 |title=Dominica: Tropical Storm Erika - Emergency appeal operations update no. 2 (MDRDM002) |url=http://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/MDRDM002eu2.pdf }} Dominica Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit stated in a national announcement on August 28 that, "The visual damage I saw today, I fear, may have set our development process back by 20 years".{{cite news | first=Alexander | last=Martinez |agency=Agence France-Presse | publisher=The Express Tribune|date=August 29, 2016 | title=Storm kills at least 20 in Dominica, blows through Caribbean| url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/947047/storm-kills-at-least-20-in-dominica-blows-through-caribbean/| location=Roseau, Dominica}}

Flooding crippled transportation and communication, with eight bridges severely damaged or destroyed, leaving many areas of the island isolated. Boetica and Delices remained cut-off by ground for more than three weeks.{{cite web|agency=Government of Dominica|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=September 23, 2015|access-date=March 13, 2016|title=Preliminary Estimates Show Agriculture Losses at $109m|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/dominica/preliminary-estimates-show-agriculture-losses-109m}} More than 12 major rivers topped their banks. Approximately 45 percent of residents lost electricity,{{cite report| work=Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency| publisher=ReliefWeb| date=August 30, 2015 |title=CDEMA Situation Report #5 - Tropical Storm Erika (as of 7:00 pm on August 30th, 2015) |url=http://reliefweb.int/report/dominica/cdema-situation-report-5-tropical-storm-erika-700-pm-august-30th-2015 |type=Situation Report}} and almost the entirety of the water supply network was damaged. Additionally, 50 percent of telephone service was lost. Both Canefield and Douglas–Charles airports were flooded, with water rising above a small airplane at the latter. Douglas–Charles Airport sustained more than EC$39.5 million (US$14.6 million) in damage and was closed until September 18.{{cite web| agency=Government of Antigua and Barbuda| publisher=ReliefWeb | date=September 4, 2015 |title=LIAT continues to assist Dominica's recovery after Tropical Storm Erika |url=http://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/LIAT_Assists_Dominica.pdf|location=St. John's, Antigua}}{{cite news | first=Brian | last=Major | work=TravelPulse | date=September 22, 2015 | title=Flights to Dominica's Airport Resume Following Erika's Devastation | url=https://www.travelpulse.com/news/destinations/flights-to-dominicas-airport-resume-following-erikas-devastation.html}} The main river running through Roseau, the nation's capital, burst its banks during the overnight of August 26–27, flooding surrounding areas.{{cite news| first1=Carlisle Jno | last1=Paptiste | first2=Danica | last2=Coto | agency=Associated Press | work=U.S. News & World Report|date=August 27, 2015 |title=5 missing in Dominica as Tropical Storm Erika unleashes heavy rain, wind, landslides |url=https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2015/08/27/5-missing-in-dominica-as-ts-erika-unleashes-landslides| location=Roseau, Dominica}} One person was killed during a mudslide and one building collapsed in the city.{{cite news| work=The Weather Channel |date=August 27, 2015 |title=Tropical Storm Erika: At Least 2 Dead, Widespread Flooding Reported in Dominica; Florida Prepares For Possible Impacts |url=http://www.weather.com/safety/hurricane/news/tropical-storm-erika-preparations-caribbean-florida-impacts}}{{cite news |url=http://www.stlucianewsonline.com/caribbean-storm-wreaks-havoc-on-dominica-see-photos/ |title=CARIBBEAN: Storm wreaks havoc on Dominica |newspaper=St. Lucia News Online |date=August 27, 2015 |access-date=August 27, 2015 |archive-date=October 14, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151014181703/http://www.stlucianewsonline.com/caribbean-storm-wreaks-havoc-on-dominica-see-photos/ |url-status=dead }}

The small community of Petite Savanne was virtually destroyed, with 217 homes leveled and all residents forced to evacuate.{{cite report|work=Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=September 3, 2015|access-date=March 8, 2016|title=CDEMA Situation Report #8 - Tropical Storm Erika|url=http://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/cdema-sit-report-8-tropical-storm-erika.pdf|type=Situation Report}}{{cite news|publisher=Caribbean360|date=September 9, 2015|access-date=March 8, 2016|title=Dominica govt permanently relocating residents of area worst affected by Tropical Storm Erika|url=http://www.caribbean360.com/news/dominica-government-permanently-relocating-residents-of-area-worst-affected-by-tropical-storm-erika|location=Roseau, Dominica|archive-date=March 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309131930/http://www.caribbean360.com/news/dominica-government-permanently-relocating-residents-of-area-worst-affected-by-tropical-storm-erika|url-status=dead}} Twenty people died or were presumed dead in the village, accounting for two-thirds of the deaths attributed to Erika in Dominica.{{cite web|publisher=Government of Dominica|year=2015|access-date=March 9, 2016|title=Dominica Suffers over Half a Billion Dollars Worth of Damage to Roads and Bridges|url=http://www.dominica.gov.dm/tropical-storm-erika/468-dominica-suffers-over-half-a-billion-dollars-worth-of-damage-to-roads-and-bridges|archive-date=March 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310015938/http://www.dominica.gov.dm/tropical-storm-erika/468-dominica-suffers-over-half-a-billion-dollars-worth-of-damage-to-roads-and-bridges|url-status=dead}} Residents dug through mud and debris, often with their bare hands, to rescue those trapped and in many cases did so with nearby homes on the verge of collapse.{{cite web|author=Kate Pawelczyk|agency=United Nations Children's Emergency Fund|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=September 3, 2015|access-date=March 8, 2016|title=Dominica struggles to recover from devastating storm Erika|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/dominica/dominica-struggles-recover-devastating-storm-erika}} The village was isolated for several days and residents buried victims before help arrived.{{cite news|author=Barry Alleyne|newspaper=Nation News|date=September 2, 2015|access-date=March 8, 2016|title=Petite Savanne residents forced to bury dead|url=http://www.nationnews.com/nationnews/news/71827/petite-savanne-residents-forced-bury-dead|location=Roseau, Dominica|archive-date=March 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309122627/http://www.nationnews.com/nationnews/news/71827/petite-savanne-residents-forced-bury-dead|url-status=dead}}

Immediately following Erika's devastating impact in Dominica on August 27, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States convened to determine an assessment plan.{{cite web|agency=Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=August 27, 2015|access-date=March 8, 2016|title=OECS Commission mobilizing regional and global support to ease Dominica's Crises following the passage of tropical storm Erika|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/dominica/oecs-commission-mobilizing-regional-and-global-support-ease-dominica-s-crises}} The Government of Dominica declared nine areas special disaster areas: Petite Savanne, Pichelin, Good Hope, Bath Estate, Dubique, Campbell, Coulibistrie, San Sauveur, and Petite Soufriere.{{cite report|work=Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=August 30, 2015|access-date=March 8, 2016|title=CDEMA Situation Report #4 - Tropical Storm Erika (as of 1:00 am on August 30th, 2015)|url=http://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/CDEMA%20Situation%20Report%204.pdf|type=Situation Report}} The National Emergency Operations Centre was activated and worked in conjunction with various local agencies to conduct relief missions. Approximately 100 personnel were deployed for various relief measures, including search and rescue.{{cite report|work=Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=September 1, 2015|access-date=March 8, 2016|title=CDEMA Situation Report #7 - Tropical Storm Erika (as of 8:30 pm on September 1st, 2015)|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/dominica/cdema-situation-report-7-tropical-storm-erika-830-pm-september-1st-2015|type=Situation Report}} The Dominica Spa Health and Wellness Association worked in conjunction with the Trinidad-based Centre for Human Development to provide psychological support to victims;{{cite web|agency=Government of Dominica|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=September 14, 2015|access-date=March 13, 2016|title=DSHWA Caters to Dominica's Wellness Post TS Erika|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/dominica/dshwa-caters-dominica-s-wellness-post-ts-erika}} eight trauma specialists were sent to Dominica.{{cite web|agency=Government of Dominica|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=September 16, 2015|access-date=March 13, 2016|title=Trauma specialists to meet Erika survivors|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/dominica/trauma-specialists-meet-erika-survivors}}

The psychiatric unit of Princess Margaret Hospital conducted field assessments and provided emotional support to residents. In a report on September 18, they noted that residents in Coulibistrie remained in a state of shock for weeks after Erika, with many struggling to begin the recovery process.{{cite web|agency=Government of Dominica|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=September 18, 2015|access-date=March 13, 2016|title=Mental Health Team on the Job Following Erika|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/dominica/mental-health-team-job-following-erika}} The Ministry of Health highlighted concerns over post-storm diseases, particularly from mosquitoes, due to a major increase in the usage of water storage containers.{{cite web|agency=Government of Dominica|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=September 23, 2015|access-date=March 13, 2016|title=Ministry of Health Draws Attention to Mosquito-Borne Illnesses|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/dominica/ministry-health-draws-attention-mosquito-borne-illnesses}} An outbreak of Gastroenteritis ensued in the weeks following Erika, with 153 cases confirmed by September 22. Cases were primarily in Portsmouth, Saint Joseph, and Roseau.{{cite web|agency=Government of Dominica|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=September 22, 2015|access-date=March 13, 2016|title=Gastroenteritis on the Rise|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/dominica/gastroenteritis-rise}}

A unique means of supplying food and water the communities of Boetica and Delices, only accessible by air due to a gorge {{cvt|80|m|ft|disp=flip}} wide and {{cvt|200|ft|m}} deep, was established in the form of a zip-line in late-September. This served as the primary means of aid until a {{cvt|30|m|ft|disp=flip}} Bailey bridge was constructed.{{cite web|agency=Government of Dominica|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=September 30, 2015|access-date=March 13, 2016|title=Creating Access to Delices and Boetica|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/dominica/creating-access-delices-and-boetica}} By April 2016, the cost of infrastructure rehabilitation projects reached EC$7 million (US$3 million).{{cite web|agency=Government of Dominica|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=April 26, 2016|access-date=March 21, 2017|title=Over Seven Million Dollars for Road Works for Post Erika Rehabilitation|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/dominica/over-seven-million-dollars-road-works-post-erika-rehabilitation}} Supplementing reconstruction efforts by China and the United Kingdom, the nation's government allocated a further EC$30 million (US$11 million) to enhancing road safety.{{cite web|author=Government of Dominica|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=May 3, 2016|access-date=March 21, 2017|title=$30m for Enhanced Road Safety ahead of Critical Post-Erika Restoration|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/dominica/30m-enhanced-road-safety-ahead-critical-post-erika-restoration}} The Food and Agriculture Organization allocated EC$300,000 (US$110,000) for farmers in October.{{cite web|agency=Government of Dominica|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=October 27, 2015|access-date=March 13, 2016|title=FAO gives agriculture assistance|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/dominica/fao-gives-agriculture-assistance}} Through June 2016, the government provided victims with EC$5–6 million (US$1.8–2.2 million), primarily to cover shelters and food.{{cite web|agency=Government of Dominica|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=September 1, 2016|access-date=March 21, 2017|title={{sic|Governe|ment|nolink=y}} expends up to $6m on Erika victims|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/dominica/governement-expends-6m-erika-victims}}

File:RFA Lyme Bay MOD 45150928.jpg

Within 48 hours of the storm, Governments of Canada, France, the United Kingdom, the United States, the European Union, and various intergovernmental organizations under the United Nations—such as the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), UNICEF, and United Nations Development Programme—pledged aid; Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Montserrat, Saint Lucia, and Trinidad and Tobago provided support teams—firefighters, police, search and rescue, and military personnel—and established supply routes with Dominica.{{cite report|work=Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=August 29, 2015|access-date=March 8, 2016|title=CDEMA Situation Report #3 - Tropical Storm Erika (as of 8:00 pm on August 29th, 2015)|url=http://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/CDEMA%20Situation%20Report%203.pdf|type=Situation Report}} The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) pledged assistance to Dominica, offering two helicopters with supplies and medics from Trinidad. Support teams from the CDEMA arrived in Dominica on August 28. The Regional Security System deployed 83 personnel whom conducted search and rescue operations and assisted in the evacuation of hundreds of residents.{{cite web|agency=Government of Dominica|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=October 2, 2015|access-date=March 13, 2016|title=RSS leaves Dominica a month after erika|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/dominica/rss-leaves-dominica-month-after-erika}} China and the Caribbean Development Bank offered US$300,000 and US$200,000 in aid, respectively, to the nation.{{cite news|agency=Agence France-Presse|newspaper=The Economic Times|date=August 29, 2015|access-date=August 29, 2015|title=China offers $300,000 in aid to storm-hit Dominica|location=Beijing, China|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/china-offers-300000-in-aid-to-storm-hit-dominica/articleshow/48724061.cms}}{{cite web|publisher=Barbados Today|date=August 29, 2015|access-date=August 30, 2015|title=CDB offers Emergency Relief Grant to Dominica|url=http://www.barbadostoday.bb/2015/08/29/cdb-offers-emergency-relief-grant-to-dominica/|archive-date=September 1, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150901130155/http://www.barbadostoday.bb/2015/08/29/cdb-offers-emergency-relief-grant-to-dominica/|url-status=dead}} China later provided an additional US$200,000 in October.{{cite web|agency=Government of the People's Republic of China|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=October 15, 2015|access-date=March 13, 2016|title=The Chinese Government to Provide the Commonwealth of Dominica with Emergency Humanitarian Cash Aid Again|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/dominica/chinese-government-provide-commonwealth-dominica-emergency-humanitarian-cash-aid-0}} The Government of Venezuela airlifted 2,000 tons of food and supplies to Dominica and pledged to provide a helicopter carrier ship on August 29.{{cite web|language=es|agency=RedHum|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=August 29, 2015|access-date=March 8, 2016|title=Venezuela envió más de 2.000 toneladas de alimentos y ayuda humanitaria a Dominica|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/dominica/venezuela-envi-m-s-de-2000-toneladas-de-alimentos-y-ayuda-humanitaria-dominica}} Supplies from Venezuela were bolstered to 10 tons by September 1, and the ship PDV Marina was deployed that day with an additional 13 tons worth fuel, machinery, and other supplies.{{cite web|language=es|agency=Government of Venezuela|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=September 1, 2015|access-date=March 8, 2016|title=Gobierno venezolano envió 10 toneladas más de medicinas, alimento y agua a Dominica|location=Caracas, Venezuela|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/dominica/gobierno-venezolano-envi-10-toneladas-m-s-de-medicinas-alimento-y-agua-dominica}}

Further assistance was provided by the Governments of Cuba, Grenada, and St. Kitts and Nevis by August 31,{{cite report|work=Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=August 31, 2015|access-date=March 8, 2016|title=CDEMA Situation Report #6 - Tropical Storm Erika (as of 9:00 pm on August 31st, 2015)|url=http://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/CDEMA%20Situation%20Report%206.pdf|type=Situation Report}}{{cite web|language=es|agency=Government of Cuba|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=August 31, 2015|access-date=March 8, 2016|title=Partió brigada a Dominica para atender a damnificados por Erika|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/dominica/parti-brigada-dominica-para-atender-damnificados-por-erika}} the latter of which donated EC$1 million (US$368,000).{{cite web|agency=Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=September 25, 2015|access-date=March 13, 2016|title=PM Harris gets huge applause for EC $1 million donation to storm-ravaged Dominica|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/dominica/pm-harris-gets-huge-applause-ec-1-million-donation-storm-ravaged-dominica|location=Basseterre, St. Kitts}} The British-flagged {{ship|RFA|Lyme Bay|L3007|6}} arrived in Dominica on September 2, carrying medical supplies, marines, and a Lynx Mk.8 helicopter.{{cite web|agency=Government of the United Kingdom|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=September 2, 2015|access-date=March 8, 2016|title=RFA Lyme Bay arrives in Dominica to provide humanitarian relief|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/dominica/rfa-lyme-bay-arrives-dominica-provide-humanitarian-relief}} The helicopter flew 25 flights over a period of five days to isolated communities, providing them with 2 tonnes of supplies daily. More than 20 tonnes of water and 5.3 tonnes of food were provided by RFA Lyme Bay.{{cite web|agency=Department for International Development|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=September 8, 2015|access-date=March 13, 2016|title=RFA Lyme Bay receives praise from High Commissioner for Dominica Aid|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/dominica/rfa-lyme-bay-receives-praise-high-commissioner-dominica-aid}} The Governments of the British Virgin Islands and Taiwan each pledged US$100,000 in funds.{{cite web|agency=Government of the British Virgin Islands|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=September 3, 2015|access-date=March 8, 2016|title=Premier Smith pledges USD$100,000 to Dominica relief efforts|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/dominica/premier-smith-pledges-usd100000-dominica-relief-efforts}}{{cite web|agency=Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=September 15, 2015|access-date=March 13, 2016|title=The Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) Provides Relief Assistance to the Commonwealth of Dominica|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/dominica/government-republic-china-taiwan-provides-relief-assistance-commonwealth-dominica}} Digicel and LIME coordinated restoration efforts to the nation's fiber-optic networks.{{cite report|work=Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=September 6, 2015|access-date=March 8, 2016|title=CDEMA Situation Report #10 - Tropical Storm Erika (as of 5:00 pm on September 6th, 2015)|url=http://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/cdema-situation-report-10-tropical-storm-erika-as-of-500-pm-on-september-6th-2015.pdf|type=Situation Report}} The former requested donations from 32 countries while the latter assisted in establishing supply routes to isolated communities.{{cite web|agency=Government of Dominica|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=September 9, 2015|access-date=March 13, 2016|title=Telecommunications Companies Partner to Bring Relief|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/dominica/telecommunications-companies-partner-bring-relief}} Digical also partnered with the Dominican Red Cross, paying for transportation so relief teams could access isolated towns.{{cite web|agency=Government of Dominica|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=September 29, 2015|access-date=March 13, 2016|title=Digicel and Red Cross Partner to Bring Relief|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/dominica/digicel-and-red-cross-partner-bring-relief}}

File:Medical supplies for Dominica from Brazil TS Erika.jpg

The Government of the Cayman Islands donated US$500,000 and requested residents of the territory to donate supplies.{{cite web|agency=Government of the Cayman Islands|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=September 8, 2015|access-date=March 13, 2016|title=Cayman Islands Government sends aid to Dominica|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/dominica/cayman-islands-government-sends-aid-dominica}} Japan's government provided US$100,000-worth of generators, water purifiers, and water tanks through the Japan International Cooperation Agency.{{cite web|agency=Government of Dominica|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=September 9, 2015|access-date=March 13, 2016|title=Japan Gives $100,000 in Relief Supplies|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/dominica/japan-gives-100000-relief-supplies}} Japan later signed a US1.6 million grant for disaster resilience supplies in January 2016.{{cite press release|work=Government of Dominica|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=January 27, 2016|access-date=July 3, 2016|title=Japan and Dominica sign agreement for resilience|url=https://reliefweb.int/report/dominica/japan-and-dominica-sign-agreement-resilience}} A further TT$5 million (US$784,000) was provided by Trinidad and Tobago.{{cite web|agency=Government of Trinidad and Tobago|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=October 9, 2015|access-date=March 13, 2016|title=T&T gives $5 million aid to storm-damaged Dominica|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/dominica/tt-gives-5-million-aid-storm-damaged-dominica}} The Government of Guyana provided a shipment of 68 tonnes of rice collected through public and private donations, three times more than targeted.{{cite web|agency=Government of Guyana|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=September 14, 2015|access-date=March 13, 2016|title=Private sector teams up with Government to send 75 tons of rice to the Dominica|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/dominica/private-sector-teams-government-send-75-tons-rice-dominica}} Through its Excess Rainfall Programme, the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility provided €6.5 million (US$2.4 million) to the Government of Dominica—the maximum payout allowable.{{cite web|agency=Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=September 10, 2015|access-date=March 13, 2016|title=CCRIF pays Government of Dominica EC$6.5 million under its Excess Rainfall Programme following Tropical Storm Erika|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/dominica/ccrif-pays-government-dominica-ec65-million-under-its-excess-rainfall-programme}} Thousands of school supplies, including books and writing utensils, were collected by the Caribbean Community.{{cite web|agency=Commonwealth Secretariat|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=October 2, 2015|access-date=March 13, 2016|title=Commonwealth Caribbean Community supports Dominica in wake of storm|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/dominica/commonwealth-caribbean-community-supports-dominica-wake-storm}} The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA), All Hands Volunteers, Convoy of Hope, ChildFund, and the Organization of American States also provided assistance.{{cite web|agency=Government of Dominica|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=September 16, 2015|access-date=March 13, 2016|title=ADRA donates EC $34,375 for relief efforts|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/dominica/adra-donates-ec-34375-relief-efforts}}

• {{cite report|agency=All Hands Volunteers|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=September 18, 2015|access-date=March 13, 2016|title=Project Dominica Situation Report|url=http://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/Relief%20Web%20Sit%20Rep%20Dominica%209.18.15.pdf|type=Situation Report}}
• {{cite web|agency=Convoy of Hope|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=September 1, 2015|access-date=March 8, 2016|title=Responding to Tropical Storm Erika|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/dominica/responding-tropical-storm-erika}}
• {{cite web|agency=ChildFund|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=September 4, 2015|access-date=March 8, 2016|title=ChildFund International Begins Clean-up in Tropical Storm Erika's Aftermath|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/dominica/childfund-international-begins-clean-tropical-storm-erikas-aftermath|location=Richmond, Virginia}}
• {{cite web|agency=Organization of American States|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=September 3, 2015|access-date=March 8, 2016|title=OAS Delivers Contribution to Recovery in Dominica following Erika|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/dominica/oas-delivers-contribution-recovery-dominica-following-erika}}

The initial response from UNICEF included the distribution of over 600 hygiene kits and 4,000 water purification tablets.{{cite report|agency=UNICEF|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=September 1, 2015|access-date=March 8, 2016|title=UNICEF Daily Situation Report Dominica - 1 September 2015|url=http://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/UNICEF%20Daily%20Situation%20Report%20Dominica%2C%201%20September%202015.pdf|type=Situation Report}} Logistical support, namely satellite phones, solar chargers, and laptops, were provided by the International Telecommunication Union.{{cite web|agency=International Telecommunication Union|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=September 3, 2015|access-date=March 8, 2016|title=ITU deploys emergency telecommunication equipment in Dominica|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/dominica/itu-deploys-emergency-telecommunication-equipment-dominica}} Four tonnes of medical supplies provided by the PAHO arrived on September 9,{{cite web|agency=Pan American Health Organization|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=September 14, 2015|access-date=March 13, 2016|title=PAHO donates medical supplies to Dominica in aftermath of Tropical Storm Erika|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/dominica/paho-donates-medical-supplies-dominica-aftermath-tropical-storm-erika}} and the Government of Brazil supplied additional medical items in October.{{cite web|agency=Government of Dominica|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=October 16, 2015|access-date=March 13, 2016|title=Brazil gifts medical supplies|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/dominica/brazil-gifts-medical-supplies}} After an initial release of funds on September 3, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) launched an emergency appeal on September 10 for approximately US$1 million to assist 12,000 people.{{cite report|agency=International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=September 10, 2015|access-date=March 13, 2016|title=Dominica: Tropical Storm Erika - Emergency Appeal (MDRDM002)|url=http://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/MDRDM002EA.pdf}} The society's relief operation lasted until April 10, 2016, and provided 12,382 people with life-saving assistance. The IFRC's primary goal was to restore access to clean water; more than half a million litres of water was provided during the seven-month operation. In regards to health, psychosocial support was made available to 873 people, roughly half of the original goal. Hygiene awareness and distribution of kits proved successful, with all 1,000 kits supplied to those in need. The Dominican Red Cross mass-promoted the Red Cross First Aid mobile app to 8,000 phones, though only 399 people downloaded it. Cash grants of US$334—by way of Visa debit cards—were provided to 279 families to cover lost property. A total of 1,000 mattresses were provided to survivors and a request for additional beds was made; however, limited funds prevented fulfillment.{{cite report|agency=International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=March 1, 2017|access-date=March 21, 2017|title=Dominica: Tropical Storm Erika - Emergency Plan of Action Final Report (MDRDM002)|url=http://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/MDRDM002fr.pdf}}

In March 2017, the CDEMA approved a €9.6 million (US$10.5 million) plan to address gaps in Dominica's disaster response legislation uncovered during the response to Erika.{{cite report|agency=Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=April 10, 2017|access-date=April 25, 2017|title=CDEMA approves funds to support advancement of Disaster Legislation in Dominica|url=http://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/PR_CDEMA_DOM_Disaster_Legislation_Dominica.pdf|location=Barbados}}

{{see also|Hurricane Maria#Dominica}}

The destruction of Petite Savanne forced the evacuation of 823 people; the village was later deemed uninhabitable and a new town needed to be built elsewhere. Many were temporarily relocated to the Dominica Grammar School in Roseau; however, members of the public looked upon the evacuees with scorn and insulted them for disrupting their daily lives. Parliamentary Representative Kenneth Darroux pleaded with residents to be understanding and patient with those whom were displaced.{{cite web|agency=Government of Dominica|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=September 18, 2015|access-date=March 13, 2016|title=Exclusive Post-Erika discussion with Petite Savanne and Grand Bay Representatives|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/dominica/exclusive-post-erika-discussion-petite-savanne-and-grand-bay-representatives}} Plans for a new settlement were established in February 2016, with plans to build 500–1,000 homes. The government provided displaced residents with EC$1,000 per family to handle rent. Similarly, all residents of Dubique were forced to evacuate; they were relocated to temporary homes in Grand Bay provided by Venezuela.{{cite news|publisher=Caribbean News Now|date=February 22, 2016|access-date=March 8, 2016|title=New community planned for Dominica residents displaced by Erika|url=http://www.caribbeannewsnow.com/topstory-New-community-planned-for-Dominica-residents-displaced-by-Erika-29408.html|location=Roseau, Dominica|archive-date=March 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310012507/http://www.caribbeannewsnow.com/topstory-New-community-planned-for-Dominica-residents-displaced-by-Erika-29408.html|url-status=dead}} Ten two- and three-bedroom homes were provided by the ADRA. Costs for resettlement and reconstruction exceeded EC$91 million (US$14.3 million).{{cite web|agency=Government of Dominica|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=October 15, 2015|access-date=March 13, 2016|title=Government identifies sites for permanent relocation of evacuees|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/dominica/government-identifies-sites-permanent-relocation-evacuees}} Power was restored to all areas of the nation, except for Petite Savanne and Dubique, by September 28.{{cite report|work=Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=September 28, 2015|access-date=March 13, 2016|title=CDEMA Situation Report #12 - Tropical Storm Erika (as of 5:00 pm on September 28th, 2015)|url=http://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/tropical-storm-erika-situation-report-12-as-of-500-pm-on-september-28th-2015.pdf|type=Situation Report}} Restoration to the nation's water system was completed in January 2016; however, permanent systems were still to be constructed.{{cite web|work=Government of Dominica|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=January 4, 2016|access-date=March 9, 2016|title=Full Water Restoration to all Communities Complete Post TS Erika|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/dominica/full-water-restoration-all-communities-complete-post-ts-erika}}

File:Aerial view of part of Roseau, the capital city of Dominica.jpg

French organizations provided €70,000 (US$77,000) for the reconstruction of two schools.{{cite web|agency=Government of Dominica|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=October 27, 2015|access-date=March 13, 2016|title=French organizations fund rehabilitation of two schools|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/dominica/french-organizations-fund-rehabilitation-two-schools}} Repair of Douglas–Charles airport was deemed a priority, though the first phase of rehabilitation for runways and aprons took more than a year to complete. In addition to repairs, greater flood defense systems were implemented, including dredging, flood walls, and river training.{{cite web|publisher=Government Information Services of Dominica|date=October 28, 2016|access-date=April 25, 2017|title=Work Continues at Douglas–Charles|url=http://news.gov.dm/index.php/news/4097-work-continues-at-douglas-charles|archive-date=April 26, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170426063428/http://news.gov.dm/index.php/news/4097-work-continues-at-douglas-charles|url-status=dead}} Construction of 25 planned homes by the ADRA began in February 2016, with projected completion in 2017; 50 volunteers were involved in the project.{{cite web|author=Royston Philbert|publisher=Seventh-Day Adventist Church|date=February 16, 2016|access-date=April 25, 2017|title=In Dominica, ADRA begins rebuilding after Tropical Storm Erika devastation|url=https://news.adventist.org/en/all-news/news/go/2016-02-16/in-dominica-adra-begins-rebuilding-after-tropical-storm-erika-devastation/|location=Colihaut, Dominica}} In April 2016, a library built in 1902 was converted into the "Post Erika Reconstruction Center", spearheaded by Baroness Patricia Scotland.{{cite press release|work=Government of Dominica|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=April 7, 2016|access-date=July 3, 2021|title=Old library to become Post-Erika Reconstruction Centre|url=https://reliefweb.int/report/dominica/old-library-become-post-erika-reconstruction-centre}} Contracts for roadway repairs between St. Joseph and Layou were signed that month.{{cite press release|work=Government of Dominica|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=April 12, 2016|access-date=July 3, 2021|title=Contracts signed for post Erika reconstruction|url=https://reliefweb.int/report/dominica/contracts-signed-post-erika-reconstruction}} In November 2016, Dominica signed an agreement with the European Union for an €8.9 million (US$9.6 million) rehabilitation project.{{cite web|agency=Government of Dominica|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=November 10, 2016|access-date=March 21, 2017|title=Dominica signs £8.9m Agreement with EU|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/dominica/dominica-signs-89m-agreement-eu}} In a join Dominica–United Kingdom project, a new road from Loubiere to Bagatelle in southeastern Dominica was announced in March 2017. The EC$100 million (US$37 million) plan would ensure the road could handle heavy rain events, with 12–14 culverts and 3 bridges. Furthermore, road edge failure issues were to be addressed.{{cite web|publisher=Government Information Services of Dominica|date=March 28, 2017|access-date=April 25, 2017|title=$100M Road Project for South East to Commence Soon|url=http://news.gov.dm/index.php/news/4298-100m-road-project-for-south-east-to-commence-soon|archive-date=April 26, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170426064154/http://news.gov.dm/index.php/news/4298-100m-road-project-for-south-east-to-commence-soon|url-status=dead}}

On September 18–19, 2017, Hurricane Maria struck Dominica as a Category 5 hurricane, the first such storm of that intensity on record in the nation.{{cite report|author=Richard Pasch, Andrew Penny, and Robbie Berg|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=February 19, 2019|access-date=July 3, 2021|title=Hurricane Maria (AL152017)|series=Tropical Cyclone Report|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/data/tcr/AL152017_Maria.pdf}} An estimated 98 percent of the island's structures were damaged or destroyed and agriculture was devastated.{{cite report|url=https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/IB25092017.pdf|title=Dominica: Hurricane Maria|publisher=International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies|date=September 25, 2017|access-date=July 3, 2021|issue=2|type=Information Bulletin|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170927111945/https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/IB25092017.pdf|archive-date=September 27, 2017|url-status=live}} The Assessment Capacities Project estimated total losses of EC$3.69 billion (US$1.37 billion), equal to 226 percent of Dominica's 2016 GDP.{{cite report|title=Post-Disaster Needs Assessment Hurricane Maria September 18, 2017|url=https://resilientcaribbean.caricom.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/DOMINICA-EXECUTIVE-SUMMARY.pdf|publisher=Resilient Caribbean Caricom|date=November 15, 2017|access-date=July 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191220141239/https://resilientcaribbean.caricom.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/DOMINICA-EXECUTIVE-SUMMARY.pdf|archive-date=December 20, 2019|url-status=live}} A total of 65 fatalities have been confirmed across the island, including 34 who are missing and presumed to be dead.{{cite web |title=Maria among 2017's retired storm names |url=http://dominicanewsonline.com/news/homepage/news/general/maria-among-2017s-retired-storm-names/ |publisher=Dominica News Online |date=April 12, 2018|access-date=July 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616053913/http://dominicanewsonline.com/news/homepage/news/general/maria-among-2017s-retired-storm-names/ |archive-date=June 16, 2018 |url-status=live }}

{{Main|List of retired Atlantic hurricanes}}

Because of the storm's severe effects on Dominica, the name Erika was retired by the World Meteorological Organization in April 2016, becoming only the second Atlantic basin retiree that never attained hurricane status, along with 2001's Allison. The name Erika was replaced with Elsa for the 2021 season.{{cite web|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|date=April 25, 2016|access-date=April 26, 2016|title=World Meteorological Organization retires storm names Erika, Joaquin and Patricia|url=http://www.noaa.gov/world-meteorological-organization-retires-storm-names-erika-joaquin-and-patricia}}{{cite news|last=Rice|first=Doyle|title=Hurricane names Patricia, Joaquin and Erika retired|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/weather/2016/04/26/hurricane-names-retired-patricia-joaquin-erika-retired/83546328/|publisher=USA Today|date=April 26, 2016|access-date=April 12, 2024|archive-date=January 23, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240123023559/https://www.usatoday.com/story/weather/2016/04/26/hurricane-names-retired-patricia-joaquin-erika-retired/83546328/|url-status=live}}{{cite report|url=https://www.icams-portal.gov/resources/ofcm/nhop/2021_full_nhop_change_2.pdf|page=3{{hyphen}}8|publisher=NOAA Office of the Federal Coordinator for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research|location=Washington, D.C.|title=National Hurricane Operations Plan|date=May 2021|access-date=April 12, 2024|archive-date=September 3, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230903151058/https://www.icams-portal.gov/resources/ofcm/nhop/2021_full_nhop_change_2.pdf|url-status=live}}

{{portal|Tropical cyclones}}

• List of wettest tropical cyclones by country
• Tropical Storm Dorothy (1970)
• Tropical Storm Cindy (1993)
• Tropical Storm Debby (1994)
• Tropical Storm Erika (2009)
• Hurricane Isaias (2020)
• Tropical Storm Philippe (2023)

{{Reflist|group=nb}}

{{reflist|30em}}

{{commons category|Tropical Storm Erika (2015)}}

• [http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/ERIKA.shtml? NHC's advisory archive on Tropical Storm Erika]
• [http://reliefweb.int/disaster/tc-2015-000119-dom ReliefWeb Tropical Storm Erika]

{{Retired Atlantic hurricanes}}

{{2015 Atlantic hurricane season buttons}}

Erika

Category:2015 in the Caribbean

Erika (2015)

Erika (2015)

Erika (2015)

Erika (2015)

Erika (2015)

Erika (2015)

Erika (2015)

Erika (2015)

Erika (2015)

Erika (2015)

Erika (2015)

Erika (2015)

Category:August 2015 in North America

Erika