Dominican Republic officials said at least 20 people had died after Tropical Storm Noel brought heavy rain and flooding.
At least 20 other people were reported missing yesterday as the storm lashed Hispaniola, the island the country shares with Haiti.
Noel was expected to drop as much as 20in of rain on Hispaniola as it heads north-west toward the Bahamas. Forecasters said it was likely to turn east before striking Florida.
Schools and shops closed in the Dominican Republic, and many roads were impassable. Communication was cut between many small towns and the capital, and authorities said the death toll could grow.
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AP