Alert archive / Puerto Rico / Flash Flood Warnings in 2026
Flash Flood Warning 19, NWS JSJ
NWS JSJ issued this flash flood warning at Apr 17, 2026, 12:38 PM CDT. It was in force for 3 hr. 7 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 17, 2026, 12:38 PM CDT (17:38 UTC)
- Expired
- Apr 17, 2026, 3:38 PM CDT
- In force
- 3 hr
- Issued by
- NWS JSJ
- Area
- Storm-based polygon
- Flood severity
- None
The radar
The San Juan radar (TJUA), 106 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 17:38 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 17, 12:40 PM CDT | FLASH FLOOD | 1 Nnw San Sebastian, PR | Flood water was affecting the parking lot of Departamento de la Familia in San Sebastian. Flood depth appears to be of 8 inches to one foot. Almost all parking spaces were being used by cars. |
| Apr 17, 12:41 PM CDT | FLOOD | 2 Ne Aguada, PR | A backyard was flooded due to excessive rainfall filling a usually dry stream, in PR-4441. Flood depth appears to be near 6 inches. |
| Apr 17, 12:49 PM CDT | FLASH FLOOD | 1 Nnw San Sebastian, PR | Road PR-446, intersection with PR-111 was reported as flooded. The road look nearly impassable. |
| Apr 17, 1:25 PM CDT | FLASH FLOOD | 1 Ne Luyando, PR | Road PR-4417, near Escuela Aquilino Caban, was impassable due to flood waters. |
| Apr 17, 1:43 PM CDT | FLASH FLOOD | 2 Wsw San Sebastian, PR | Rio Sonador overflowed near PR-417 in Sector El Yugo. Agricultural losses were also reported in the yard of the houses closer to the river. |
| Apr 17, 2:12 PM CDT | FLOOD | El Tamarindo, PR | A stream (quebrada) overflowed its banks in the El Tamarindo sector of Barrio Saltos. Water is inundating the low level crossing at Camino El Tamarindo. Cars observed at both sides of the bridge unable to cross. |
| Apr 17, 2:23 PM CDT | FLOOD | San Sebastian, PR | MUNICIPAL POLICE CLOSED VEHICULAR PASSAGE AT CONDE DE CASPE (N 59) BRIDGE DUE TO RIO CULEBRINAS (RIVER) OVERFLOWING ITS BANKS. THE NEARBY TORRES PINO STREET IS COMPLETELY INUNDATED. |
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 5 storm reports to this flash flood warning; the first came 2 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.
601
WGCA52 TJSJ 171738
FFWSJU
PRC003-099-131-172045-
/O.NEW.TJSJ.FF.W.0019.260417T1738Z-260417T2045Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Flash Flood Warning
National Weather Service San Juan PR
138 PM AST Fri Apr 17 2026
The National Weather Service in San Juan has issued a
* Flash Flood Warning for...
Aguada in Puerto Rico...
Moca in Puerto Rico...
San Sebastian in Puerto Rico...
* Until 445 PM AST.
* At 138 PM AST, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing
heavy rain across the warned area. Between 2 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 1839 6716 1839 6713 1835 6713 1846 6706
1839 6703 1838 6695 1839 6692 1837 6689
1825 6691 1825 6693 1827 6695 1826 6697
1828 6704 1829 6703 1831 6706 1832 6712
1831 6719 1838 6724 1842 6716
FLASH FLOOD...RADAR INDICATED
$$
CVB2 follow-up statements
628
WGCA72 TJSJ 171810
FFSSJU
Flash Flood Statement
National Weather Service San Juan PR
210 PM AST Fri Apr 17 2026
PRC003-099-131-172045-
/O.CON.TJSJ.FF.W.0019.000000T0000Z-260417T2045Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Aguada PR-Moca PR-San Sebastian PR-
210 PM AST Fri Apr 17 2026
...FLASH FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 445 PM AST THIS
AFTERNOON FOR AGUADA, MOCA AND SAN SEBASTIAN...
At 210 PM AST, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy
rain across the warned area. Between 2 and 3 inches of rain have
fallen. Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 3 inches are possible in
the warned area. Flash flooding is already occurring. There are
several reports of rivers and tributaries out of its banks with some
roads, such as PR-446 and the area close to Departamento de la
Familia in San Sebastian, that are impassable.
HAZARD...Life threatening flash flooding. Thunderstorms producing
flash flooding.
SOURCE...Radar.
IMPACT...Life threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams,
urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles.
Please report observed flooding to local emergency services or law
enforcement and request they pass this information to the National
Weather Service when you can do so safely.
&&
LAT...LON 1839 6716 1839 6713 1835 6713 1846 6706
1839 6703 1838 6695 1839 6692 1837 6689
1825 6691 1825 6693 1827 6695 1826 6697
1828 6704 1829 6703 1831 6706 1832 6712
1831 6719 1838 6724 1842 6716
FLASH FLOOD...RADAR INDICATED
FLASH FLOOD DAMAGE THREAT...CONSIDERABLE
$$
CVB228
WGCA72 TJSJ 172038
FFSSJU
Flash Flood Statement
National Weather Service San Juan PR
438 PM AST Fri Apr 17 2026
PRC003-099-131-172048-
/O.CAN.TJSJ.FF.W.0019.000000T0000Z-260417T2045Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Aguada PR-Moca PR-San Sebastian PR-
438 PM AST Fri Apr 17 2026
...FLASH FLOOD WARNING FOR AGUADA, MOCA AND SAN SEBASTIAN COUNTIES
HAS BEEN REPLACED WITH A FLOOD ADVISORY...
&&
LAT...LON 1839 6716 1839 6713 1835 6713 1846 6706
1839 6703 1838 6695 1839 6692 1837 6689
1825 6691 1825 6693 1827 6695 1826 6697
1828 6704 1829 6703 1831 6706 1832 6712
1831 6719 1838 6724 1842 6716
$$
CVBWhat 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 17, 1:50 AM CDT, 10 hours 48 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
- Updated at 250 AM AST Fri Apr 17 2026 * Another active afternoon is forecast today, with some instability present and sufficient moisture across the area. Therefore, a limited to elevated flooding risk is expected. * More stable conditions are expected on Sunday, with drier air and warmer Temperatures aloft limiting widespread shower activity.Therefore, a typical trade wind pattern will prevail, bringing passing morning showers to eastern Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, followed by isolated afternoon convection over western Puerto Rico. * A moderate risk of rip currents will persist across several beaches, particularly along exposed coastal areas, creating hazardous conditions for swimmers. * The U.S.Virgin Islands will experience variable weather conditions today, with periods of passing showers, followed by gradual improvement into Sunday and continuing into the upcoming workweek.
Area forecast discussion, Apr 17, 1:50 AM CDT, 10 hours 48 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service San Juan PR 250 AM AST Fri Apr 17 2026 ...New SHORT TERM, LONG TERM, AVIATION, MARINE, BEACH FORECAST... .KEY MESSAGES... Updated at 250 AM AST Fri Apr 17 2026 * Another active afternoon is forecast today, with some instability present and sufficient moisture across the area. Therefore, a limited to elevated flooding risk is expected. * More stable conditions are expected on Sunday, with drier air and warmer Temperatures aloft limiting widespread shower activity.Therefore, a typical trade wind pattern will prevail, bringing passing morning showers to eastern Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, followed by isolated afternoon convection over western Puerto Rico. * A moderate risk of rip currents will persist across several beaches, particularly along exposed coastal areas, creating hazardous conditions for swimmers. * The U.S.Virgin Islands will experience variable weather conditions today, with periods of passing showers, followed by gradual improvement into Sunday and continuing into the upcoming workweek. && .Short Term(Today through Sunday)... Issued at 250 AM AST Fri Apr 17 2026 During the overnight hours, weather conditions were variable, with showers mainly affecting the local waters and some moving across southeastern sections of the island. As of 2 AM, showers were brushing the coastal areas of Vieques and St. Croix, with minimal rainfall accumulations reported. Winds prevailed from the east- southeast at speeds of 10 mph or less. Temperatures during the night ranged from the mid to upper 70s along coastal areas, while cooler conditions were observed across the mountainous regions. Today, as the upper-level trough amplifies over the western Atlantic and shifts eastward away from the area, the forecast area will remain under its divergent side to the southeast, supporting favorable conditions for vertical development. This pattern is reinforced by cooler temperatures aloft and relatively moist conditions through the mid-levels, which will help sustain cloud development and shower activity. Model guidance continues to indicate above-normal moisture levels, with precipitable water remaining elevated compared to climatology. Additionally, mid- level instability suggests a moderately unstable environment, allowing deeper convection, particularly during the peak of the diurnal heating. At the same time, some variability in mid-level moisture is expected, which may briefly limit coverage at times; however, overall conditions remain conducive for scattered showers. The presence of modest low-level flow will aid in steering activity while maintaining convergence along local effects and terrain features. Winds are gradually becoming more easterly. Given these conditions, today will follow a seasonal pattern, with passing showers across windward areas in the morning, followed by a more active afternoon driven by diurnal heating and local effects. Shower activity will concentrate across the Cordillera Central and northwestern interior, where periods of moderate to locally heavy rainfall are possible. As a result, an elevated flooding risk will persist, particularly in urban, low-lying, and poor drainage areas, where repeated showers could lead to ponding of water and minor flooding. By Saturday, a transition toward a drier and more stable pattern will become more evident across the forecast area. Mid-level moisture is expected to decrease compared to today, with relative humidity values lowering across the 700–500 mb layer, while subsidence associated with the shifting upper-level trough will promote warming aloft and limit vertical development. Although sufficient low-level moisture will remain to support passing morning showers, particularly across eastern Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, overall coverage should be reduced. During the afternoon, localized convection may still develop across the western interior of Puerto Rico; however, activity should remain less organized and shorter-lived due to weaker instability and reduced lapse rates. Winds will continue from the east to east- southeast, supporting typical diurnal patterns. As a result, flooding concerns should diminish compared to today, with only isolated ponding possible in areas that receive brief, heavier showers. On Sunday, similar to Saturday, a stable weather pattern is expected. Mid-level conditions will remain relatively drier compared to previous days, with warming aloft promoting increased stability and limiting vertical cloud development. Although patches of low-level moisture will continue to move across the area within the easterly wind flow, overall moisture availability will remain closer to seasonal levels, reducing the potential for widespread shower activity. At the surface, a strengthening high pressure system over the central Atlantic will maintain a steady easterly to east-southeasterly wind flow, supporting typical trade wind conditions. This pattern will favor passing showers during the overnight and morning hours across eastern Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, followed by localized afternoon convection across the interior and western sections of Puerto Rico driven mainly by diurnal heating and local effects; however, activity should remain limited in coverage and intensity due to the more stable atmospheric profile. As a result, flooding concerns will continue to decrease, with only isolated ponding possible in areas that experience brief, heavier showers, and overall conditions will resemble a typical seasonal pattern with reduced convective activity across the region. && .Long Term(Monday through Friday)... Issued at 250 AM AST Fri Apr 17 2026 he forecast remains on track with no significant changes from the previous discussion. As the influence of the upper-level trough weakens and exits the northeastern Caribbean, drier and more stable conditions are expected to return. A mid-level ridge will build over the area, bringing a stable air mass aloft. At the surface, a dominant high pressure system over the central Atlantic will maintain light to moderate easterly winds through mid-week. During the first half of the period, precipitable water (PWAT) values will drop to seasonal normals of approximately 1.50 inches and are expected to remain within that range for the rest of the workweek. Local conditions will stay seasonal, with occasional showers moving into the eastern portions of Puerto Rico, Vieques, Culebra, and the U.S. Virgin Islands during the morning hours. This will be followed by afternoon convective activity across the interior and western portions of Puerto Rico. This afternoon activity could result in moderate to heavy rainfall and isolated thunderstorms due to the combination of available moisture, daytime heating, and local effects. Temperatures at 500 mb are expected to remain within seasonal values of -6°C to -8°C; therefore, a thunderstorm or two cannot be ruled out. Due to previous rainfall, soil saturation, and elevated river levels, the potential for flooding persists. Temperatures at 925 mb will remain seasonal through most of the period, with highs in the low to mid-80s across coastal and urban areas and the upper 70s to low 80s in the higher mountains. && .AVIATION... (06Z TAFS) Issued at 250 AM AST Fri Apr 17 2026 Mainly VFR conditions prevail, with brief MVFR possible in SHRA over eastern terminals. SHRA brushing TISX are resulting in lower CIGs.SHRA and isolated TSRA developing during the afternoon over the interior and western sections, including from 17/18Z to 17/23Z, will result in periods of MVFR conditions with reductions in VIS. Winds will remain light and variable early, becoming east to east-southeast at 8–12 knots after 17/14Z. Gusty winds are possible near SHRA/TSRA and with sea breeze variations. && .MARINE... Issued at 250 AM AST Fri Apr 17 2026 A mid-to upper-level trough will maintain an unstable weather pattern across the regional waters, resulting in periods of strong t- storms through at least Saturday. A surface high over the western to central Atlantic will promote moderate to locally fresh east to southeast winds, in turn resulting in moderate to choppy seas through at least early next week. A small northeasterly swell will also continue to propagate across the Atlantic waters and Caribbean passages through early next week, contributing to hazardous marine conditions at times. T-storms can produce locally higher winds, frequent lightning, and reduced visibility. && .BEACH FORECAST... Issued at 250 AM AST Fri Apr 17 2026 Up to a moderate risk of rip currents (life-threatening rip currents are possible in the surf zone) will be in effect through the weekend, especially along north and east facing beaches of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. A long period northerly swell may arrive by the next midweek, potentially deteriorating coastal conditions. Beachgoers should remain alert for afternoon showers and isolated t-storms. && .SJU WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... PR...None. VI...None. AM...None. && SHORT TERM, AVIATION & KEY MESSAGES...LIS LONG TERM....GRS MARINE & BEACH FORECAST...MRR
In the hours before
Special weather statement, Apr 17, 11:51 AM CDT, 47 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service San Juan PR
1251 PM AST Fri Apr 17 2026
PRZ008>010-171745-
Northwest PR-Mayaguez and Vicinity PR-Western Interior PR-
1251 PM AST Fri Apr 17 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHWESTERN MUNICIPALITIES
THROUGH 145 PM AST...
At 1250 PM AST, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Hato Arriba, or near San Sebastian, moving northwest at 15 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph and pea size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is
possible.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to
localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.
&&
LAT...LON 1832 6691 1822 6696 1828 6719 1830 6724
1836 6727 1839 6720 1842 6716 1849 6717
1851 6714 1851 6711
TIME...MOT...LOC 1650Z 122DEG 14KT 1832 6705
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
YZRThe office that day
Everything else NWS JSJ issued on the same UTC day.
| Issued | Product | Office | Counties | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 16, 7:06 PM CDT | Areal Flood Warning | JSJ | 4 hr | |
| Apr 17, 2:57 AM CDT | Areal Flood Advisory | JSJ | 100 min | |
| Apr 17, 10:35 AM CDT | Areal Flood Advisory | JSJ | 3 hr | |
| Apr 17, 11:25 AM CDT | Areal Flood Advisory | JSJ | 5 hr | |
| Apr 17, 11:38 AM CDT | Areal Flood Advisory | JSJ | 4 hr | |
| Apr 17, 11:51 AM CDT | Special Weather Statement | JSJ | 54 min | |
| Apr 17, 12:28 PM CDT | Areal Flood Advisory | JSJ | 3 hr | |
| Apr 17, 12:40 PM CDT | Flash Flood Warning | JSJ | 3 hr | |
| Apr 17, 1:18 PM CDT | Areal Flood Advisory | JSJ | 3 hr | |
| Apr 17, 2:54 PM CDT | Areal Flood Advisory | JSJ | 85 min | |
| Apr 17, 3:25 PM CDT | Flash Flood Warning | JSJ | 85 min | |
| Apr 17, 3:38 PM CDT | Areal Flood Advisory | JSJ | 7 min | |
| Apr 17, 4:07 PM CDT | Areal Flood Advisory | JSJ | 90 min | |
| Apr 17, 4:40 PM CDT | Areal Flood Warning | JSJ | 12 hr | |
| Apr 17, 4:49 PM CDT | Areal Flood Advisory | JSJ | 103 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.