By The Star Staff
The National Weather Service (NWS) has warned Thursday about the possibility of more significant rainfall in Puerto Rico and the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) in the next few days, due to a combination of troughs in the middle and upper levels of the atmosphere and higher than normal humidity levels coming from a nearly stationary front.
The situation will create ideal conditions for the development of thunderstorms, especially between today and Saturday morning.
It was anticipated that areas in the north and east of Puerto Rico, as well as Vieques, Culebra and the USVI, could receive rainfall accumulations of between 3 and 4 inches, with locally higher amounts that could reach up to 6 inches in some areas. In the rest of the region, rainfall accumulation of between 1 and 3 inches was expected.
Due to the potential for prolonged and heavy rainfall, a flash flood watch was to remain in effect through Saturday morning. The advisory warned of the risk of flash flooding and river flooding, which could reach overflow levels, as well as the possibility of landslides in areas of steep terrain.
In addition to rainfall, a high risk of hazardous marine conditions, including strong rip currents, was also expected through at least the weekend. The NWS issued a small craft advisory and a high surf advisory through at least Friday afternoon for north-facing beaches in Puerto Rico.
The public was urged to stay informed about the potential risks of excessive rainfall and hazardous marine conditions through the NWS’s Experimental Graphical Hazard Weather Outlook, and to take precautions in case of flooding or rip currents on the beaches.
The extended rainfall warning came as the NWS issued several flood warnings for different areas of Puerto Rico on Thursday due to heavy rains generated by intense storms that had impacted much of the island.
The rainfall caused flooding in urban areas and small streams, affecting areas with poor drainage and raising the level of rivers and streams.
In the municipality of Humacao, an accumulation of between 3 and 5 inches of rain was recorded by midday Thursday, mainly in areas near Quebrada Los Muertos and sectors such as Urb Villa Oriente. Local authorities reported flooding on highway PR-909.
In Maunabo, meanwhile, trained weather observers reported accumulations of between 2 and 4 inches of rain, with additional rainfall of up to 3 inches expected. Areas such as Emajagua, Playita and Palo Seco were experiencing rising streams and possible road flooding due to soil saturation.
For the Ceiba and Fajardo areas, the NWS maintained a flash flood warning through this morning. Up to 6 inches of rain had been recorded in some areas, affecting major roads such as Lauro Piñeiro Avenue and PR-3 in areas such as Roosevelt Gardens and Colonia Santa María.
In Yabucoa, rainfall generated up to 5 inches of accumulation, impacting areas such as Jardines de Yabucoa and sections of highways PR-901 and PR-3. Local authorities were reporting active flooding in those areas, and warned that the risk of flash flooding remains as long as the rains continue.
The NWS strongly encouraged residents in affected areas to avoid flooded areas and follow the instructions of local authorities.
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