Do not cross flooded roads, authorities urge.
The trough moving quickly across the Island will continue soaking it through Thursday, which will likely prevent a repeat of the past November tangle on San Juan's roads, meteorologist Ian Colón Pagán of the National Weather Service (NWS) explained. Still, drivers heading to work should exercise caution given the "probability" of rain and flooding that could complicate their commute.
"The forecast and the models suggest it's going to rain hard across the eastern half of Puerto Rico, so people who live in those areas should stay alert and make decisions based on what they see out there, without putting their lives at risk," Colón Pagán said in an interview with Platea.
If you need to be on the road during the downpours, we recommend several alternate routes to help you avoid congestion or possible obstructions on your way to your destination.
Flood-prone routes in the metro area and surroundings
Expreso Baldorioty de Castro, near the Minillas tunnel, in San Juan
As seen last November, the Expreso Román Baldorioty de Castro (PR-26) in San Juan has several stretches that can be affected by flooding when intense, sudden downpours hit. One of them is at the entrance and exit of the Minillas tunnel, adjacent to exit 2A.
Recommendation: The corridor covered by the Baldorioty has few equivalent alternatives, as it is the only expressway connecting the Santurce area with Isla Verde and the rest of the towns heading east.
If you still want to make the trip, we recommend avoiding the Baldorioty entirely and using routes such as the Teodoro Moscoso bridge to drive to or from Carolina.
— CycloforumsPR (@CycloforumsPR) February 6, 2024
Expreso Luis Muñoz Rivera (PR-1), near the YMCA, in San Juan
No major incidents have been reported in this area during this week's trough, but the Expreso Muñoz Rivera and its exit toward Sagrado Corazón and the YMCA, in Santurce, has a poor reputation for flooding during past downpours.
Recommendation: To enter Santurce without risking possible problems, we recommend traveling, for example, along avenida Ponce de León (PR-25) or avenida Fernández Juncos (PR-35).
Expreso Martínez Nadal around the quebrada Margarita, in Guaynabo
Poor drainage in areas near the quebrada Margarita in Guaynabo, such as San Patricio and Garden Hills, leads to frequent flooding that can block passage along PR-20, also known as the Expreso Martínez Nadal.
Recommendation: On your route to or from Guaynabo, we suggest using alternatives such as the PR-2 elevated sections, avenida Luis Vigoreaux (PR-19), avenida Jesús T. Piñero (PR-17) or avenida Lomas Verdes (PR-177).
Carretera PR-1, near the Parque de Luz cemetery, in Caguas
Although carretera PR-1 serves as one of the few substitutes for the heavy congestion on Expreso PR-52 heading south, rain events like this week's can bring traffic to a standstill near the río Cañas, in Caguas.
Recommendation: As meteorologist Colón Pagán told us, if you face what could be hours of gridlock, it may be necessary to "wait a little while somewhere, or stay longer at the office until conditions improve and you can get home safely."
— V. Torres Montalvo 🇵🇷 (@Motinsitepegas) February 6, 2024
Flood-prone routes in the rest of the Island
Carretera PR-14, in Cayey
Carretera PR-14, which begins in Ponce, becomes an urban route as it passes through the historic downtown of Cayey, which may have received up to six inches of rain on Tuesday, according to the NWS. A video circulating on social media shows multiple cars stranded while attempting to cross the floodwaters.
We recommend: If you must pass through Cayey, options include PR-1, PR-206 and Calle Fernández García.
PR-102, along the Mayagüez coast
Residents of la Sultana del Oeste will be familiar with the recurring flooding along the Mayagüez waterfront, such as the flooding that occurs near the Almacén Navideño or the Plaza de la Paz, known as the Plaza de las Banderas.
Recommendation: During periods of heavy rain, drivers in Mayagüez are advised to use PR-2 as their main route. They should only travel on PR-102 if heading toward Añasco, as obstructions are more common in the lane going toward Cabo Rojo.
— CycloforumsPR (@CycloforumsPR) February 6, 2024
Use caution when driving
People who live in communities with low bridges that flood with any heavy rain, or in areas prone to urban flooding, should check weather conditions before leaving home," the meteorologist added.
Even if you feel the urge to get on the road and push through the weather, we urge you to please check the status of your route and the obstacles you may encounter before facing a rain event like this one.
This content was translated with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
