Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands may receive periods of excessive rainfall beginning around midweek and lasting through the weekend. Flash flooding and mudslides are possible.
The National Weather Service in San Juan, Puerto Rico, has explained that low pressure and an abundance of tropical moisture will move across the region, resulting in the potential for heavy rain.
“From Wednesday afternoon onward, we anticipate a moist and unstable weather pattern as above-normal moisture pools over the islands, interacting with a deep layer trough [area of low pressure] aloft,” according to an update from the NWS on Monday.
“The rain is expected to reach the islands in pulses,” the NWS stated. “The first episode [of precipitation] should reach the area on Wednesday, with showers moving from the Caribbean Sea into the Virgin Islands, and across the southern and eastern half of Puerto Rico, [and] another pulse is expected to reach the islands on Thursday, with lingering effects into Friday,” the NWS said. “The moisture field associated with this trough is expected to be around through at least late Saturday,” the NWS added.
Based on computer forecast models, the heaviest precipitation amounts may occur slightly to the west of Puerto Rico and the USVI. However, the ground is very saturated across the local area, and portions of both U.S. territories have already received higher-than-normal rainfall during May. Any additional rain could create hazardous conditions, including flash flooding or mudslides.
“Prolonged periods of moderate to locally heavy rainfall will enhance the risk of flooding, river rises, and mudslides,” the NWS warned. “It is possible that some rivers overflow, and that flash floods develop as well. [Residents] are advised to stay tuned to weather updates, especially for those that live or commute in flood-prone areas,” the NWS continued.
Forecast Updates
Weather forecast information, including severe weather alerts, is available from the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency website and the National Weather Service.
The Source Weather Page also publishes a daily weather forecast, where readers can view weather forecast videos and disaster preparedness video segments.
