Flash Flood Watch In Effect For The USVI From Sunday Morning To Sunday Night

The National Weather Service at San Juan has issued a Flash Flood Watch for all of the US. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico for Sunday morning through Sunday night, VITEMA announced today.

A strong tropical wave will approach the local islands late tonight into Sunday. Showers and thunderstorms are expected to spread across the region starting tonight. The most active period appears to be from early Sunday morning through Sunday night.

The potential of flooding rains is high for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands on Sunday. Rainfall totals between 2 and 4 inches with locally higher amounts are possible with this strong tropical wave. Localized Flash Flooding and Landslides are likely in areas of persistent heavy rainfall.

A flash flood watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation. The public should monitor weather updates and be prepared to take action should flash flood warnings be issued.

VITEMA Director Mona Barnes encourages the public to continue monitoring this system as it approaches the USVI tonight and to be aware that there is high potential for flooding is possible.

Ms. Barnes continues to receive weather briefings and updates from the US National Weather Service – San Juan Forecast Office. Ms. Barnes has also held conference calls with Public Works Assistant Commissioner Dennis Brow, VI Fire Service Director Clifford and representatives of the Office of the Governor. The Department of Public Works and VI Fire Service remain on alert to respond to severe flooding conditions.

According to the National Hurricane Center 2 p.m. update, the tropical wave is located about 550 miles east of the Lesser Antilles is moving westward at 25 to 30 miles per hour and is accompanied by increasing shower activity. However, surface observations and satellite wind data show that pressures are relatively high in the area and that there are no signs of a circulation. During the next day or two, development should be slow to occur due to the rapid motion of the system.

Regardless of development, this system will likely bring locally heavy rains and gusty winds to portions of the Leeward Islands, Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and Hispaniola, and interests in these areas should monitor its progress.

By the middle of next week, the disturbance is expected to be in the western Caribbean Sea, where conditions are likely to be more conducive for development. Formation chance through the next five days is medium – 60 percent.