Alert archive / Puerto Rico / Flash Flood Warnings in 2026

Flash Flood Warning 19, NWS JSJ

April 17, 2026

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

TimeReportWhereRemark
Apr 17, 12:40 PM CDTFLASH FLOOD1 Nnw San Sebastian, PRFlood 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 CDTFLOOD2 Ne Aguada, PRA 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 CDTFLASH FLOOD1 Nnw San Sebastian, PRRoad PR-446, intersection with PR-111 was reported as flooded. The road look nearly impassable.
Apr 17, 1:25 PM CDTFLASH FLOOD1 Ne Luyando, PRRoad PR-4417, near Escuela Aquilino Caban, was impassable due to flood waters.
Apr 17, 1:43 PM CDTFLASH FLOOD2 Wsw San Sebastian, PRRio 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 CDTFLOODEl Tamarindo, PRA 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 CDTFLOODSan Sebastian, PRMUNICIPAL 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

$$

CVB
2 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

$$

CVB
228 
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

$$

CVB

What 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

YZR

The office that day

Everything else NWS JSJ issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Apr 16, 7:06 PM CDTAreal Flood WarningJSJ4 hr
Apr 17, 2:57 AM CDTAreal Flood AdvisoryJSJ100 min
Apr 17, 10:35 AM CDTAreal Flood AdvisoryJSJ3 hr
Apr 17, 11:25 AM CDTAreal Flood AdvisoryJSJ5 hr
Apr 17, 11:38 AM CDTAreal Flood AdvisoryJSJ4 hr
Apr 17, 11:51 AM CDTSpecial Weather StatementJSJ54 min
Apr 17, 12:28 PM CDTAreal Flood AdvisoryJSJ3 hr
Apr 17, 12:40 PM CDTFlash Flood WarningJSJ3 hr
Apr 17, 1:18 PM CDTAreal Flood AdvisoryJSJ3 hr
Apr 17, 2:54 PM CDTAreal Flood AdvisoryJSJ85 min
Apr 17, 3:25 PM CDTFlash Flood WarningJSJ85 min
Apr 17, 3:38 PM CDTAreal Flood AdvisoryJSJ7 min
Apr 17, 4:07 PM CDTAreal Flood AdvisoryJSJ90 min
Apr 17, 4:40 PM CDTAreal Flood WarningJSJ12 hr
Apr 17, 4:49 PM CDTAreal Flood AdvisoryJSJ103 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.