Alert archive / Puerto Rico / Flash Flood Warnings in 2026
Flash Flood Warning 15, NWS JSJ
NWS JSJ issued this flash flood warning at Apr 13, 2026, 11:23 AM CDT. It was in force for 3 hr. 2 reports came from inside the area while it was in force.
The area
The outline as issued, with what was reported inside it.
The facts
- Issued
- Apr 13, 2026, 11:23 AM CDT (16:23 UTC)
- Expired
- Apr 13, 2026, 2:07 PM CDT
- In force
- 3 hr
- Issued by
- NWS JSJ
- Area
- Storm-based polygon
- Flood severity
- None
The radar
The San Juan radar (TJUA), 105 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 16:23 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.
Open the radar archive at this moment
The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.
What was reported inside it
| Time | Report | Where | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 13, 11:56 AM CDT | FLASH FLOOD | 2 Se Hormigueros, PR | Road PR-2 km 164.7 was impassable due to flooding. At 1:36 PM, Emergency managers reported that they reopened the road. |
| Apr 13, 12:01 PM CDT | FLOOD | 1 Ene Cabo Rojo, PR | Social media reports indicated road PR-103 near Iglesia Biblica Bautista de Cabo Rojo was flooded and several cars were stranded. |
Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.
Did it verify
Verified. The Iowa Environmental Mesonet's Cow matched one storm report to this flash flood warning; the first came 33 minutes after it went out.
Cow counts a report within 15 km of the polygon while the warning was in force: a tornado for a tornado warning; hail of 1 inch or more, a gust of 58 mph or more or wind damage for a severe thunderstorm warning; a flash flood report for a flash flood warning.
The text
As transmitted.
440
WGCA52 TJSJ 131623
FFWSJU
PRC023-067-093-097-121-125-131915-
/O.NEW.TJSJ.FF.W.0015.260413T1623Z-260413T1915Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Flash Flood Warning
National Weather Service San Juan PR
1223 PM AST Mon Apr 13 2026
The National Weather Service in San Juan has issued a
* Flash Flood Warning for...
Northern Cabo Rojo in Puerto Rico...
Hormigueros in Puerto Rico...
Maricao in Puerto Rico...
Mayaguez in Puerto Rico...
Sabana Grande in Puerto Rico...
San German in Puerto Rico...
* Until 315 PM AST.
* At 1223 PM AST, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing
heavy rain across the warned area. Between 1 and 3 inches of rain
have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 3 inches are
possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected
to begin shortly.
HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms.
SOURCE...Radar.
IMPACT...Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban
areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as
other poor drainage and low-lying areas.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles.
Please report observed flooding to local emergency services or law
enforcement and request they pass this information to the National
Weather Service when you can do so safely.
&&
LAT...LON 1810 6720 1817 6720 1821 6717 1823 6718
1821 6703 1819 6702 1821 6698 1819 6689
1815 6690 1815 6693 1805 6691 1804 6698
1805 6699 1807 6707 1806 6711 1804 6711
1804 6722 1807 6720 1808 6722
FLASH FLOOD...RADAR INDICATED
$$
CVB1 follow-up statement
825
WGCA72 TJSJ 131907
FFSSJU
Flash Flood Statement
National Weather Service San Juan PR
307 PM AST Mon Apr 13 2026
PRC023-067-093-097-121-125-131917-
/O.CAN.TJSJ.FF.W.0015.000000T0000Z-260413T1915Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Cabo Rojo PR-Hormigueros PR-Maricao PR-Mayaguez PR-Sabana Grande
PR-San German PR-
307 PM AST Mon Apr 13 2026
...FLASH FLOOD WARNING FOR NORTHERN CABO ROJO, HORMIGUEROS, MARICAO,
EAST CENTRAL MAYAGUEZ, SABANA GRANDE AND SAN GERMAN COUNTIES HAS
BEEN REPLACED WITH A FLOOD ADVISORY...
Flood waters have receded. The heavy rain has ended. However,
excessive runoff continues. Please continue to heed remaining road
closures.
A Flood Watch remains in effect until 800 AM AST Wednesday for
portions of Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands.
&&
LAT...LON 1810 6720 1817 6720 1821 6717 1823 6718
1821 6703 1819 6702 1821 6698 1819 6689
1815 6690 1815 6693 1805 6691 1804 6698
1805 6699 1807 6707 1806 6711 1804 6711
1804 6722 1807 6720 1808 6722
$$
MNGWhat forecasters said that day
The local office's own words before this flash flood warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.
NWS JSJ wrote its last area forecast discussion before this flash flood warning went out at Apr 13, 1:13 AM CDT, 10 hours 10 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
- Updated at 210 AM AST Mon Apr 13 2026 * A wet and unstable weather pattern will bring widespread showers and thunderstorms across the area, with a Flash Flood Watch in effect from 10 AM today through Wednesday. * An elevated to significant flooding risk is expected across the islands; residents are urged to exercise caution, avoid flood- prone areas, and never cross flooded roads. * The wettest period is expected from tonight into early Tuesday morning, when the heaviest rainfall and most persistent shower activity are likely. * A moderate risk of rip currents will persist across all local beaches, creating hazardous conditions for swimmers. * Across the U.S. Virgin Islands, an elevated to significant flooding risk is expected from early Tuesday morning through the day as periods of heavy rainfall impact the area.
Area forecast discussion, Apr 13, 1:13 AM CDT, 10 hours 10 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service San Juan PR
213 AM AST Mon Apr 13 2026
...New SHORT TERM, LONG TERM, AVIATION, MARINE, HYDROLOGY...
.KEY MESSAGES...
Updated at 210 AM AST Mon Apr 13 2026
* A wet and unstable weather pattern will bring widespread
showers and thunderstorms across the area, with a Flash Flood
Watch in effect from 10 AM today through Wednesday.
* An elevated to significant flooding risk is expected across
the islands; residents are urged to exercise caution, avoid
flood- prone areas, and never cross flooded roads.
* The wettest period is expected from tonight into early Tuesday
morning, when the heaviest rainfall and most persistent shower
activity are likely.
* A moderate risk of rip currents will persist across all local
beaches, creating hazardous conditions for swimmers.
* Across the U.S. Virgin Islands, an elevated to significant flooding
risk is expected from early Tuesday morning through the day as
periods of heavy rainfall impact the area.
&&
.Short Term(Today through Wednesday)...
Issued at 210 AM AST Mon Apr 13 2026
Moderate to strong showers affected the Atlantic offshore and nearshore
waters for most of the night, resulting in hazardous marine
conditions due to locally higher seas and gusty winds. Given the
prevailing conditions, several Special Marine Warnings and Marine
Weather Statements were issued throughout the night. As the night
progressed, by 2 AM, showers shifted southward into coastal areas,
affecting portions of eastern and northeastern Puerto Rico,
including municipalities near Naguabo, Fajardo, and Rio Grande.
Overnight temperatures remained in the lower 70s across coastal
areas, with even cooler conditions across the mountains.
For today, the forecast of a wetter and more unstable weather
pattern remains on track. As a result, a Flash Flood Watch will be
in effect from 10 AM today through Wednesday across the entire
area. At upper levels, a deep trough with its axis just over
Hispaniola places the islands under a divergent region, favoring
vertical development and widespread thunderstorm activity. This
upper-level feature will allow colder temperatures at 500 mb,
ranging between -9°C and -10°C, which are around two standard
deviations below climatological normals. At the surface, a frontal
boundary and the associated pre-frontal trough will reach the
local area. Winds will shift to a northerly component from this
afternoon into early Tuesday as the frontal boundary moves
southward across the region. Additionally, abundant deep moisture
will be in place, with relative humidity values from 850 mb up to
500 mb near the 75th percentile. All of these factors provide a
well-defined setup for a very convective day. Model guidance
suggests an increase in showers during the morning hours, with
activity expanding and intensifying through the afternoon.
According to the highest-resolution models, a very active weather
day is expected, with the strongest convection developing across
the interior and then moving into northwestern and interior Puerto
Rico. By late afternoon into the evening, showers will affect
northeastern areas, extending into Culebra, Vieques, and the U.S.
Virgin Islands. An important factor for today will be the surface
wind pattern, as slow-moving showers will favor higher rainfall
accumulations in addition to the widespread shower activity. As a
result, an elevated to significant flooding threat is expected
across the entire forecast area today. Residents are advised to
avoid rivers and not to cross flooded roads or low-lying areas.
On Tuesday in the early morning hours into Wednesday, conditions
will remain on the unstable side, as the upper-level trough
continues to deepen, leaving a cut-off low just over the area.
This feature will be reflected through the column, resulting in a
low at 500 mb and an induced surface trough extending from around
1000 mb up to 700 mb. The presence of colder temperatures aloft
and the slow movement of this feature will continue to support
enhanced instability and prolonged convective activity across the
region. Given the expected conditions deteriorate weather
conditions are forecast across the islands. Given the expected
rainfall accumulations and the already saturated soils, this
pattern will maintain an elevated to significant risk of urban and
river flooding, as well as potential mudslides in areas of steep
terrain. Again, a Flood Watch is in effect from 10 AM this morning
through 8 AM Wednesday for all of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin
Islands. Residents and visitors should continue to monitor the
latest weather information.
&&
.Long Term(Thursday through Monday)...
Issued at 210 AM AST Mon Apr 13 2026
No major changes were made to the long-term forecast, as the wet and
unsettled weather pattern is likely to persist into the weekend,
gradually improving by the first part of the next workweek. A
surface high pressure is expected to build over the Western
extending into the Central Atlantic, promoting SE-E winds through
Sunday. As a surface trough over the Hispaniola weakens, the
pressure gradient will likely increase, with winds gradually
strengthening throughout the period, resulting in breezy to windy
conditions across the coastal areas of the islands. In the mid to
upper levels, the deep-layered trough may linger and deepen into the
tropics, with our CWA under the favorable side for convection. From
the latest model guidance, moisture content will remain higher for
this time of the year, with PWAT values likely between 1.8 and 2.0
inches low chance of higher values. Additionally, the low to mid-
level moisture content should remain higher than normal, with model
soundings suggesting skinny profiles, particularly on Friday and
Saturday. In terms of convection, the influence of the trough will
maintain slightly cooler than normal mid-level temperatures (500 mb
temperatures around -8 degrees Celsius), a jet streak with 250 mb
winds between 60 and 80 knots, and divergence aloft, triggering
upper-level dynamics. Under these conditions, forced vertical motion
will result in cloud growth and ventilation, favorable for deep
convection. Additionally, the Galvez-Davison Index (GDI) continues
to suggest the potential for isolated to scattered thunderstorms
across the CWA, particularly in the afternoons over interior into
north/northwestern Puerto Rico and in the night across regional
waters, eastern Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. As
mentioned in the previous discussion, the weather event in the short-
term forecast may result in saturated soils and higher-than-normal
river levels. A factor that may slightly inhibit deeper convection
is the winds, which may lead to more progressive showers instead of
stationary ones. Nevertheless, with the expected weather forecast
through Sunday, showers and thunderstorms over the CWA will increase
the flooding and lightning potential. Rainfall accumulations will
likely result in urban and small stream flooding, including
localized flash floods, including landslides, and rapid river rises.
Additionally, thunderstorms may result in gusty winds, reduced
visibility, and lightning. Residents and visitors of the islands are
encouraged to keep monitoring conditions and the next issuance of
the long-term forecast. By Monday, as another surface high pressure
builds over the western Atlantic and wind shifts from the NE, the
weather pattern should gradually improve with a drier air mass
filtering into the region.
&&
.AVIATION...
(06Z TAFS)
Issued at 210 AM AST Mon Apr 13 2026
MVFR to IFR conditions are expected across all TAF sites today due
to an increase in SHRA and TSRA activity. Periods of reduced VIS
and lowering CIGs are anticipated, with tempo IFR conditions
possible in heavier showers and thunderstorms. Mountain
obscurations will persist, especially across interior and western
sections. Winds will remain VRB through 13/15Z, then increase to
around 10 KT from the E-SE as the surface trough lifts north of
the area. Thereafter, winds will become light and variable again,
before gradually shifting to the NE around 14/03Z.
&&
.MARINE...
Issued at 210 AM AST Mon Apr 13 2026
Moderate easterly trades will persist through the period
as high pressure remains over the central Atlantic, with periods of
locally fresh winds. Combined with ongoing northerly swell, this
will maintain choppy conditions across the Atlantic waters and
passages. Increasing showers and thunderstorms early next week will
lead to locally hazardous marine conditions, including gusty winds
and reduced visibility, though impacts will be brief and variable.
By midweek, a combination of stronger winds and building swell may
result in hazardous conditions for small craft, particularly across
the Atlantic waters.
&&
.BEACH FORECAST...
Issued at 210 AM AST Mon Apr 13 2026
Rip current conditions have improved as wave
energy has decreased, no longer supporting a High Rip Current Risk.
However, a moderate risk of rip currents is in place for most north-
and east-facing beaches of Puerto Rico, including Vieques and
Culebra, as well as the U.S. Virgin Islands, meaning rip currents
are still possible and can be life-threatening. A low risk will
likely persist across western Puerto Rico, from Anasco and
Mayaguez southward and east along the Caribbean coast through
southeastern Puerto Rico, including Patillas, Maunabo, and
Yabucoa. Increasing winds early to midweek could lead to a return
of more hazardous marine and coastal conditions. Exercise caution
at the beach, especially along exposed coasts. Sharing is saving.
&&
.HYDROLOGY...
Issued at 210 AM AST Mon Apr 13 2026
As a mid-to upper-level trough approaches from the northwest, the
likelihood of flooding is expected until at least midweek. An
elevated flooding risk is forecast through this period. The
heaviest activity is anticipated for this evening into early
morning hours on Tuesday. Although a level of uncertainty is
still present, the days with the highest potential for flooding
are today and Tuesday. However, above normal moisture will
persist through late in the week. The likelihood of urban and
small stream flooding, isolated flash flooding, landslides and
rapid river rises continues to increase. Residents and visitors
are urged to remain alert to changing weather conditions and to
avoid flooded roadways. A Flood Watch (FFASJU) and an Hydrologic
Outlook (ESFSJU) are currently in effect to highlight this
flooding potential.
.SJU WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
PR...Flood Watch from 10 AM AST this morning through Wednesday
morning for PRZ001>013.
VI...Flood Watch from 10 AM AST this morning through Wednesday
morning for VIZ001-002.
AM...None.
SHORT TERM, AVIATION,KEY MESSAGES...LIS
LONG TERM....MNG
MARINE & BEACH FORECAST...ICPIn the hours before
Local storm report, Apr 13, 10:09 AM CDT, 1 hour 14 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service San Juan PR
1109 AM AST Mon Apr 13 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0749 AM Landslide 4 N Juncal 18.37N 66.93W
04/13/2026 San Sebastian PR 911 Call Center
PR-119 near Calle Casa del Biologo in Bo
Aibonito Beltral in San Sebastian affected
by landslide due to previous rainfall
activity.
&&
MNGThe office that day
Everything else NWS JSJ issued on the same UTC day.
| Issued | Product | Office | Counties | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 12, 9:33 PM CDT | Special Marine Warning | JSJ | 57 min | |
| Apr 12, 10:38 PM CDT | Special Marine Warning | JSJ | 67 min | |
| Apr 13, 2:29 AM CDT | Areal Flood Advisory | JSJ | 97 min | |
| Apr 13, 7:57 AM CDT | Areal Flood Advisory | JSJ | 4 hr | |
| Apr 13, 7:57 AM CDT | Areal Flood Advisory | JSJ | 4 hr | |
| Apr 13, 8:52 AM CDT | Special Marine Warning | JSJ | 83 min | |
| Apr 13, 9:15 AM CDT | Special Marine Warning | JSJ | 60 min | |
| Apr 13, 10:12 AM CDT | Special Marine Warning | JSJ | 2 hr | |
| Apr 13, 10:46 AM CDT | Areal Flood Advisory | JSJ | 37 min | |
| Apr 13, 11:35 AM CDT | Special Weather Statement | JSJ | 55 min | |
| Apr 13, 12:57 PM CDT | Areal Flood Advisory | JSJ | 3 hr | |
| Apr 13, 2:07 PM CDT | Areal Flood Advisory | JSJ | 113 min |
Nearby
Flash Flood Warnings in Puerto Rico, 2026Every flash flood warning in 2026
Sources
The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; local storm reports from the same archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.