The National Weather Service in San Juan, Puerto Rico, has issued a Flood Watch for portions of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands beginning on Friday morning and lasting until Sunday evening. Heavy rain and thunderstorms with lightning are possible.
“A trough [an area of low pressure] combined with deep moisture across the local area will bring periods of showers and thunderstorms across the local islands during the next several days, particularly Friday through at least Sunday, according to an update on Thursday from the NWS.
“Based on the latest [computer model forecast] guidance, the most likely time period for the heaviest rainfall activity is Friday afternoon into Saturday,” the NWS continued.
The Flood Watch will be in effect from 6 a.m. on Friday until at least 6 p.m. on Sunday. The NWS has noted that approximately two to four inches of precipitation are forecast across both U.S. territories, with locally higher amounts. With Carnival celebrations scheduled to continue into the weekend in the USVI, residents and visitors are urged to monitor weather alerts.
“Rainfall accumulations are expected to range from two to four inches, especially for the eastern half of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, with isolated higher amounts possible between six and eight inches. Elsewhere, one to three inches are expected,” the NWS stated.
While periods of rainfall may be sporadic, any additional precipitation across portions of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands could lead to flash flooding and mudslides.
“Due to already saturated soils, any prolonged period of heavy rainfall will result in urban and small stream flooding,” the NWS warned. “Some rivers will likely overflow their banks. Therefore, isolated life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides are also possible,” the NWS added.
USVI Weather Updates
Individuals are encouraged to stay current on the latest weather conditions, and USVI residents and visitors can find information about the weather from the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency website and the National Weather Service.
A daily weather forecast is also published on the Source Weather Page, where readers can view weather forecast videos and disaster preparedness video segments.
