Residents of the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico are being advised to prepare for wet and unstable weather conditions as moisture from an incoming tropical wave continues to affect the region. The National Weather Service in San Juan reports that additional rainfall is expected today, heightening the risk of flooding, landslides, and rapid river rises.
The threat of flooding has escalated from limited to elevated levels across Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Saturated soils from recent rainfall have made certain areas particularly vulnerable to mudslides. The risk is especially significant in regions with steep terrain and areas that have already experienced heavy precipitation in recent days.
Starting today, marine and coastal conditions are projected to worsen due to the arrival of a northerly swell. This development is expected to bring hazardous seas and life-threatening rip currents, particularly along the northern coastlines.
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High Risk of Rip Currents: A high risk advisory for rip currents is in effect from this afternoon until at least Tuesday afternoon. Affected areas include the north-facing beaches of Puerto Rico—from Rincón to Fajardo—as well as Culebra and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Beachgoers are strongly urged to exercise caution and avoid entering the water in these areas.
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High Surf Advisory: Beginning Tuesday morning and continuing until at least Tuesday afternoon, a High Surf Advisory will be in place for north-facing beaches of Puerto Rico—from Aguadilla to Fajardo—including Culebra, and the islands of St. Thomas and St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Large breaking waves reaching heights of 10 to 12 feet are expected, creating dangerous swimming conditions and potential for minor beach erosion.
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Small Craft Advisory: A Small Craft Advisory is currently in effect for Atlantic waters and local passages until at least Tuesday afternoon. Mariners are advised to exercise extreme caution due to the hazardous sea conditions.
Safety Precautions and Recommendations
Residents in flood-prone areas should remain vigilant and prepared for possible evacuations if conditions worsen. Motorists are advised to avoid driving through flooded roadways. Hikers and those in mountainous regions should be cautious of potential landslides due to saturated ground conditions.
Visitors and locals are urged to stay informed by monitoring updates from the National Weather Service and local authorities. Engaging in water activities along affected coastlines is highly discouraged until conditions improve.
