Heavy rain and thunderstorms may continue to occur across Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands through at least Thursday. Flash flooding and mudslides are possible.
“The continuation of a wet and unstable weather pattern will maintain the risk of flooding between elevated and significant across the islands through this evening and may extend into Thursday evening,” according to an update on Wednesday from the National Weather Service.
“A series of troughs [areas of low pressure] will promote thunderstorms and excessive rainfall across the area, enhancing the potential for flooding across the islands,” the NWS continued.
Stormy weather on Wednesday morning resulted in a flash flood warning for the island of St. Thomas until at least 9:30 a.m. School was cancelled in the St. Thomas-St. John district as of Wednesday morning, and the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority reported widespread power outages. Later in the morning, the Education Department announced that all public schools on St. Croix would close at noon due to the heavy rain.
“Any additional moderate to locally heavy rain poses a risk of dangerous flooding, including sudden mudslides and landslides in steep terrain areas,” the NWS warned. “Thunderstorms may produce strong winds capable of causing tree falls, power line disruptions, and movement of unsecured objects,” the NWS noted.
Flash Flood and Mudslide Safety
Individuals may be caught off-guard during a flash flood, including while driving in a vehicle, as described in a Source article regarding flash flood safety. If a flood happens while driving, the NWS offers the following tips to stay safe.
“Never drive your car into water of unknown depth. Most flash flood deaths occur when people drive their vehicles into flood waters. Remember: Turn Around, Don’t Drown,” the NWS advised.
In the event of a mudslide or a landslide, the United States Geographical Survey recommends remaining alert and as far away from a debris flow as possible. Additional safety tips are available on the USGS official website.
Weather Forecast Updates
Weather conditions are expected to improve at the end of the workweek as an area of high pressure builds across the region and a mass of drier air moves over the islands. However, Saharan dust particles may be prevalent in the atmosphere.
Individuals are advised to stay current on the latest weather conditions. Forecast information, including severe weather alerts and updates, is available from the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency website and the National Weather Service.
The Source Weather Page publishes a daily weather forecast, and readers can also view weather forecast videos and disaster preparedness video segments.
