Rain and flash flood risk will continue through Thursday: recommendations and resources

Up to 14 inches of rain accumulated between the weekend and Monday, and more showers are expected from a trough arriving Wednesday. Here is what to do to protect yourself and a summary of incidents reported so far.

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What's happening? Showers reported between the weekend and Monday deposited up to 14 inches of rain in some areas, leaving flooding and landslides across different parts of Puerto Rico. Between 2 and 4 inches of rain are expected to fall around the island each day through Thursday, with some areas at risk of receiving up to 6 inches.

The rain is the result of a trough sitting over the island and another approaching this Wednesday, meteorologist Glorianne Rivera of the National Weather Service (NWS) in San Juan explained to Platea. Because of this, "weather conditions will remain unstable through at least Thursday," she warned.

There are no closed roads at the moment, since reports from recent days have been addressed, Rivera said, but that could change throughout the day.

Areas most affected between Tuesday and Thursday

Rivera explained that the areas most affected between Tuesday and Thursday will be "the municipalities of la Cordillera Central, specifically, an imaginary line from Barranquitas to Mayagüez. That is where we expect to see the greatest concentration of rain," between 2 and 4 inches per day.

🚨 Risks: "There is a high potential for flooding and landslides across these municipalities," the meteorologist said, warning that people in these areas, especially in flood-prone zones or near rivers, should "not let their guard down" and stay alert to weather conditions.

• The NWS warned on its website that there could also be showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon.

• Meanwhile, the risk of rip currents remains moderate at beaches on Puerto Rico's north coast and in Culebra.

🚨 Most exposed areas: "Urban areas are the most exposed" to flooding and landslide risks, especially "in these towns in the central area and in the metropolitan area, if it were to rain." Caution is also advised near rivers.

• Among the most saturated municipalities, which have already experienced landslides and flooding, are: Orocovis, Barranquitas, Jayuya, Ciales, Utuado, Adjuntas, Las Marías and Maricao.

• In the south, she also recommended caution in Ponce, Guayanilla, Yauco and Sabana Grande.

San Juan declares state of emergency

Due to the heavy rains, San Juan Mayor Miguel Romero declared a state of emergency in the capital to activate "our emergency protocols to respond quickly and effectively" to the various situations that occurred in communities. Response work includes clearing roads, clearing bodies of water and assessing damage.

• An emergency declaration allows the municipality to acquire goods and services without public bidding and to mobilize immediate resources to respond quickly to situations that threaten public safety and welfare.

As part of the response, $500 vouchers were issued to four families for the purchase of essential items, according to a press release. In addition, through the Ayuda al Ciudadano program, four food vouchers of $125 each were distributed, and five additional requests were processed for the replacement of essential appliances such as stoves, refrigerators and washing machines.

Damage in the capital: According to the mayor, 11 residences have been reported directly affected, along with 15 landslides and 14 flooding incidents, including six cases involving fallen trees or damaged electrical lines.

Most affected communities: Camino Los Morcelos, Sector Jesús in Cupey, Sector Paracochero, Sector Los Rivera, Sector Los Cottos, Camino Pedro Viera, Camino Los Figueroa in Cupey Alto and the Mangual sector in Quebrada Arenas.

Recommendations for residents

• The meteorologist recommended that residents continue monitoring weather conditions. She also suggested:

• "If you live in a flood-prone area, stay alert and find a safe place when it rains."

• "Avoid crossing flooded roads." According to the NWS, only six inches of water is enough to knock down an adult. Meanwhile, 12 inches of water can sweep a vehicle off the road.

• Stay away from rivers and streams. Remember that flash floods can occur and sweep cars away.

• Be aware of your surroundings and stay away from steep areas prone to landslides.

Ask yourself…

1. Are you located in a flood plain?

2. What is the fastest way to reach higher ground?

3. Which streets near you are most prone to flooding?

Stay up to date on weather condition updates and NWS bulletins through their website or social media such as Facebook and X.

⚠️ Incidents from the weekend rains through Monday

Rivera noted that over the weekend through Monday morning, reports had come in of areas that received up to 8 inches of rain. An additional 6 inches fell on Monday during the day.

Below is a summary of incidents by day through Monday afternoon, based on reports from authorities. According to Rivera, these roads have since been cleared and the incidents were handled by emergency agencies.

Tuesday, April 29:

Flash flood warning for Carolina until 12:00 a.m.

Monday, April 28:

Car swept away by flash flood: Due to heavy rain, a 69-year-old driver died when his car was swept away by the rising Río Piedras on Monday afternoon. The car fell from a bridge on Camino Los Navarro, in San Juan.

Landslides: A landslide affected a portion of Camino Los García, sector Los Cotto, near PR-842 in San Juan. Another landslide was reported on PR-853, kilometer 5.0 in San Juan.

Another landslide was reported on camino La Marquesa, near Parque Forestal La Marquesa, in Guaynabo. The road was closed.

An additional landslide was reported on PR-162 near the Franco barbershop in barrio Cuyón.

Flooding:

• San Juan: Parts of camino Tabonucal flooded.

• Sabana Grande: Rosa Torres and Moncho Cruz streets were closed due to flooding near Río Flores.

Flash flooding:

• Carolina: Several vehicles were trapped in flooding reported on Avenida Sur at the intersection with Ramal 8, near the Starbucks at Escorial Shopping Village, but there were no injuries.

• Caguas: PR-1 experienced sudden flooding near Ceramic Home Center.

• Guaynabo: Rising water in Quebrada Los Navarros, near the Río Guaynabo, affected PR-1 near the La Muda sector, and authorities closed the road. A flooded residence was also reported in Urbanización Lomas del Sol on Calle Lomas, near the Río Guaynabo.

• Trujillo Alto: Two people and two dogs were rescued by authorities near PR-853 in barrio Carraízo, near Camino Saldaña. PR-181 near JF Montalvo was also partially closed due to sudden flooding.

• San Juan: A residence flooded near Camino Bonilla in Cupey Bajo, but no one was trapped. Another flooded residence was reported on Boulevard de los Árboles, near the intersection with Calle Guama, close to Río Piedras. Separately, at least three cars were reported submerged after flooding in the Paracochero sector, barrio Quebrada Arenas.

• Orocovis: A flooded residence was reported on Calle 156, near the PR-568 intersection in barrio Botijas 2.

• Cayey: One person was trapped after the Río de la Plata rose and flooded PR-738 at the intersection with the Carretera Central.

Fallen trees:

• Guaynabo: A fallen tree affected PR-834 on Camino La Paloma in Urbanización Finca Elena.

• San Juan: A tree fell on power lines on Calle 1 near the Oficina Municipal de Manejo de Emergencias.

• Sabana Grande: A fallen tree blocked PR-368, kilometer 7.2, in barrio Susua. The road was closed.

Sunday, April 27:

Flash flooding: In Fajardo, the Río Fajardo overflowed its banks and flooded part of PR-194 near PR-3.

Landslide: In Corozal, on PR-811 (Camino de los Beefsteaks) near Meléndez Pizza

Saturday, April 26:

Waterspout: A waterspout was observed in the Culebra area, according to a video posted on social media.

Flash flooding: Sudden rises were reported in the Río Blanco de Naguabo, flooding PR-191 and PR-3 near exit 22 of the PR-53 expressway. There was also a rise in Quebrada Maracuto, which feeds into the Río Grande de Loíza, flooding the Rosa Álvarez bridge on PR-853 in barrio Barrazas in Carolina. This affected the communities of Camino Los Cuba and Camino Rosa Álvarez.

Flooding:

• Cabo Rojo: Flooding was reported on PR-311 near the restaurant Dixons Balcony. Also on PR-102 near the restaurant Mangia Italiano, which was not affected.

• Aibonito: A tributary of the Río de la Plata flooded part of PR-14 near Iglesia del Faro.

• Naguabo: Two people were rescued after being trapped in a vehicle by flooding from the Río Blanco on PR-31, near exit 22 of PR-53.

If you are in a safe place, here are some recommendations for rainy days:

This content was translated with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI).