0 By. V.I. CONSORTIUM
As favorable atmospheric conditions and an abundance of moisture continue to affect the region, the risk for thunderstorms and flooding remains high across eastern Puerto Rico, Vieques, Culebra, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the northwest quadrant of Puerto Rico. These areas can expect additional rainfall amounts between 2 to 4 inches through Saturday, with conditions expected to improve starting Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.
Persistent showers may lead to excessive runoff, resulting in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and low-lying or flood-prone locations, NWS said. Creeks and streams may rise above their banks, and urban areas with poor drainage may also experience flooding. Low-water crossings could be affected by the flooding as well. Accompanying the thunderstorms are gusty wind conditions and the potential for frequent lightning.
Marine conditions are also expected to be choppy and hazardous in the Atlantic and offshore Caribbean waters, as well as the Anegada Passage, due to wind-driven seas and small northeasterly swell pulses. These conditions will persist through the weekend and pose a danger to small craft.
According to the forecast, the swell pulses will produce breaking wave action, causing life-threatening rip currents and dangerous swimming conditions along north-and east-facing beaches of all the local islands.
The next update on the situation is expected around noon on Saturday, April 8th, 2023.
