Unstable weather conditions with abundant tropical moisture will continue to result in widespread showers and isolated thunderstorm development with heavy rainfall across the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico through at least this evening, the National Weather Service has made known in its latest forecast for the U.S. territories.
N.W.S. said soils remain saturated and any additional rainfall will trigger flash flooding and mudslides across Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands through this evening. For this reason the flash flood watch will remain in effect at least until later this evening. However, if the present conditions persist and latest guidance continue to suggest a continued moist and unstable weather environment with moderate to heavy rainfall continuing beyond Thursday evening, the flash flood watch may be extended into Friday.
A flash flood watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation. You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should flash flood warnings be issued, N.W.S. said.
N.W.S. said the combination of a moist east southeast wind flow and an amplified upper level trough will result in periods of heavy rainfall across the region through this evening. Expected rainfall accumulations today to range between 1 to 5 inches, with isolated higher amounts.
The most significant shower and thunderstorm potential for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands is forecast to be today. That said, soils are already saturated, and any additional rainfall will cause quick rises in rivers and streams along with mudslides and rockfall in areas of steep terrain, N.W.S. said. Poor drainage areas will also be a major problem with additional heavy rainfall.
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