Alert archive / Puerto Rico / Flash Flood Warnings in 2026

Flash Flood Warning 23, NWS JSJ

April 28, 2026

NWS JSJ issued this flash flood warning at Apr 28, 2026, 2:52 PM 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 28, 2026, 2:52 PM CDT (19:52 UTC)
Expired
Apr 28, 2026, 6:00 PM CDT
In force
3 hr
Issued by
NWS JSJ
Area
Storm-based polygon
Flood severity
None

The radar

The San Juan radar (TJUA), 19 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 19:56 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 28, 3:10 PM CDTFLASH FLOOD1 Nne Comerio, PRBroadcast media reported on social media that Higuera creek between Barrio Palomas and Barrio Dona Elena is out of its banks. Based on radar estimates between 3 to 4.5 inches of rain have fallen.
Apr 28, 3:30 PM CDTFLASH FLOOD2 Nnw Comerio, PREmergency managers reported flooding impacting a house. It is uncommunicated due to a nearby landslide in PR-780 km 4.8 in Barrio Dona Elena, Comerio.

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 3 storm reports to this flash flood warning; the first came 18 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.

067 
WGCA52 TJSJ 281952
FFWSJU
PRC045-282300-
/O.NEW.TJSJ.FF.W.0023.260428T1952Z-260428T2300Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Flash Flood Warning
National Weather Service San Juan PR
352 PM AST Tue Apr 28 2026

The National Weather Service in San Juan has issued a

* Flood Advisory has been upgraded into a Flash Flood Warning for
  Comerio...

* Until 700 PM AST.

* At 352 PM AST, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing 
  heavy rain across the warned area. Between 2 and 4 inches of rain 
  have fallen. The expected rainfall rate is 1 inch in 1 hour. 
  Additional rainfall amounts up to 1 inch 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.

Be aware of your surroundings and do not drive on flooded roads.

&&

LAT...LON 1822 6617 1821 6618 1820 6618 1820 6621
      1819 6621 1817 6621 1818 6622 1818 6623
      1818 6624 1819 6624 1819 6626 1822 6627
      1823 6627 1824 6627 1825 6624 1825 6623
      1827 6622 1828 6620 1825 6618

FLASH FLOOD...RADAR INDICATED
EXPECTED RAINFALL RATE...1 INCH IN 1 HOUR

$$

MMC
2 follow-up statements
608 
WGCA72 TJSJ 282105
FFSSJU

Flash Flood Statement
National Weather Service San Juan PR
505 PM AST Tue Apr 28 2026

PRC045-282300-
/O.CON.TJSJ.FF.W.0023.000000T0000Z-260428T2300Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Comerio PR-
505 PM AST Tue Apr 28 2026

...FLASH FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM AST THIS EVENING 
FOR COMERIO...



At 505 PM AST, Doppler radar indicated that heavy rain has ended 
across the warned area. However, light to moderate rainfall is 
ongoing. Between 3 and 5 inches of rain have fallen. Flash flooding 
is ongoing.

HAZARD...Life threatening flash flooding. Thunderstorms producing
         flash flooding.

SOURCE...Radar & Emergency Managers.

IMPACT...Life threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams,
         urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses.

Currently, OMME reported that the first floor of a house in Barrio 
Rio Hondo is flooded. Also, landslide and a flooded house were 
reported in PR 780, km 4.8 in sector Los Ayala.

Barrio Dona Elena, road Miguel Santiago is impassable, due to a 
nearby small creek out of its bank. Also, a creek in the Higuero 
Area is running high.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood 
deaths occur in vehicles.

Remain alert for flooding even in locations not receiving rain. 
Arroyos, streams, and rivers can become raging killer currents in a 
matter of minutes, even from distant rainfall.

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 1822 6617 1821 6618 1820 6618 1820 6621
      1819 6621 1817 6621 1818 6622 1818 6623
      1818 6624 1819 6624 1819 6626 1822 6627
      1823 6627 1824 6627 1825 6624 1825 6623
      1827 6622 1828 6620 1825 6618

FLASH FLOOD...RADAR INDICATED
FLASH FLOOD DAMAGE THREAT...CONSIDERABLE

$$

MMC
102 
WGCA72 TJSJ 282254
FFSSJU

Flash Flood Statement
National Weather Service San Juan PR
654 PM AST Tue Apr 28 2026

PRC045-282304-
/O.EXP.TJSJ.FF.W.0023.000000T0000Z-260428T2300Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Comerio PR-
654 PM AST Tue Apr 28 2026

...FLASH FLOOD WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 7 PM AST THIS EVENING FOR 
COMERIO...

Flood waters have receded and is no longer affecting houses. 
However, rivers are still running high and some flooding and 
landslides due to previous rains is possible. Please continue to 
heed remaining road closures.

&&

LAT...LON 1822 6617 1821 6618 1820 6618 1820 6621
      1819 6621 1817 6621 1818 6622 1818 6623
      1818 6624 1819 6624 1819 6626 1822 6627
      1823 6627 1824 6627 1825 6624 1825 6623
      1827 6622 1828 6620 1825 6618

$$

MMC

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 28, 1:26 PM CDT, 1 hour 26 minutes earlier. Its key messages:

  • Updated at 222 PM AST Tue Apr 28 2026 * A limited to elevated flooding risk will continue for Puerto Rico this afternoon as showers and t-storms continue to develop mainly over interior to the northern half of Puerto Rico. * Although showers and t-storms will gradually diminish after sunset, passing showers will continue across windward sectors. Another round of slow moving showers and t-storms is forecast to develop late tomorrow morning to afternoon. * A moderate rip current risk continues over north and east-facing beaches Puerto Rico, Culebra and St. Croix for the next several days. This risk will possibly spread to the rest of the local islands later in the week. * Up to a limited heat risk will continue across urban and coastal areas of the islands without prolonged rain and cloud coverage.
Area forecast discussion, Apr 28, 1:26 PM CDT, 1 hour 26 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service San Juan PR
226 PM AST Tue Apr 28 2026

...New SHORT TERM, AVIATION, MARINE, BEACH FORECAST...

.KEY MESSAGES...
Updated at 222 PM AST Tue Apr 28 2026

* A limited to elevated flooding risk will continue for Puerto Rico
  this afternoon as showers and t-storms continue to develop mainly
  over interior to the northern half of Puerto Rico.

* Although showers and t-storms will gradually diminish after
  sunset, passing showers will continue across windward sectors.
  Another round of slow moving showers and t-storms is forecast to
  develop late tomorrow morning to afternoon.

* A moderate rip current risk continues over north and east-facing
  beaches Puerto Rico, Culebra and St. Croix for the next several
  days. This risk will possibly spread to the rest of the local
  islands later in the week.

* Up to a limited heat risk will continue across urban and coastal
  areas of the islands without prolonged rain and cloud coverage.

&&

.Short Term(This evening through Thursday)...
Issued at 222 PM AST Tue Apr 28 2026

During the morning hours, the most active portion of the remnants of
the frontal boundary remained across and east of St. Croix, where
periods of showery weather were observed, while widespread cloud
cover prevailed across much of Puerto Rico and the local waters.
This extensive cloudiness limited early daytime heating and
introduced some uncertainty regarding convective development for
this afternoon. However, gradual clearing developed by late morning,
allowing for surface heating and the onset of sea breeze
convergence, which quickly led to the development of showers and
thunderstorms around noon across portions of northern and
northeastern Puerto Rico. Additional clearing and daytime heating
will continue to support an active period through the afternoon.
Supporting this scenario, the 28/12Z TJSJ sounding indicated
precipitable water (PWAT) values near 1.95 inches, which remains
above climatological normals for this time of year. The sounding
also showed veering winds with height, colder temperatures aloft,
and very light winds through nearly 6 km, reflecting an unstable
environment favorable for thunderstorm activity.

The weak steering flow will favor slow storm motions, increasing the
potential for enhanced rainfall accumulations where heavy showers or
thunderstorms persist or repeatedly develop over the same areas.
Some of the strongest thunderstorms this afternoon could produce
frequent lightning, gusty winds, and isolated near-severe
thunderstorms. As a result, showers and thunderstorms are expected
to develop mainly across the interior and western/northwestern
sections of Puerto Rico during the afternoon, then drift slowly
toward surrounding municipalities. Given the weak steering flow and
abundant moisture in place, urban and small-stream flooding, ponding
on roadways, and localized flash flooding will remain possible
during the heaviest rainfall. Further landslides and rock falls
cannot be ruled out.

For tonight, convection will gradually diminish after sunset, but
lingering low-level moisture and nearby frontal remnants will
maintain passing showers across windward sectors of eastern Puerto
Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Any overnight activity should be
brief, although locally heavy downpours cannot be ruled out. Minimum
temperatures will remain warm to muggy across coastal and urban
areas, with cooler readings across higher elevations.

On Wednesday, moisture content is forecast to remain above normal,
with precipitable water values near or above 2.0 inches while weak
steering flow persists. This pattern will favor another round of
showers and thunderstorms developing by late morning and through the
afternoon across the interior, western, and northern sections of
Puerto Rico. Given continued light winds, slow-moving thunderstorms
may once again produce excessive rainfall and localized flooding
impacts. Isolated thunderstorms with frequent lightning and gusty
winds will also be possible.

By Thursday, a gradual drying trend is expected to begin as moisture
values decrease and mid-level relative humidity lowers compared to
earlier in the week. Even so, sufficient low-level moisture combined
with daytime heating and local sea breeze convergence should still
support scattered afternoon showers, mainly across western and
interior Puerto Rico. Flooding impacts should become more localized,
although urban and small-stream flooding will remain possible where
heavier showers develop. Temperatures throughout the period will
remain warm to hot across coastal areas, with heat indices
occasionally exceeding climatological normal where sunshine is more
persistent.

&&

.Long Term(Friday through next Monday)...
Issued at 317 AM AST Tue Apr 28 2026

By the end of the week, a moist and unstable weather pattern will
persist across Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, accompanied
by a troughing pattern aloft, light to moderate southeasterly winds,
and above-normal moisture across the forecast area. Current guidance
suggests that precipitable water values will remain in the 75th
percentile for this time of year, around 1.80 to 2.00 inches. This
will continue to support a pattern of showers across windward areas
early in the day, followed by active afternoon convection across the
interior, northern, and northwestern portions of Puerto Rico. In
addition, 500 mb temperatures will remain between -7 and -8 degrees
C (near normal but sufficient to support isolated thunderstorm
development), particularly where the strongest activity develops
during the afternoon on Friday. Accordingly, a limited flood threat
will persist on Friday due to the high potential for ponding of
water on roads and in poorly drained areas.

From Saturday into early next week, a gradual drying trend is
anticipated, leading to improving weather conditions. Precipitable
water values will decrease to near-normal levels (around 1.5 inches
or less), while 250 mb heights increase and 500 mb temperatures warm
as ridging builds aloft, bringing greater atmospheric stability.
Although afternoon showers may still develop due to local effects,
their coverage and intensity will be reduced. Any shower activity
during this period should be brief and limited.

Lastly, warm conditions will persist throughout the period as
indicated by temperature guidance at 925 mb which suggests values
will remain above normal through at least next weekend. Also, an
east to southeasterly wind flow will prevail supporting those
conditions. Maximum surface temperatures will range from the upper
80s to low 90s across coastal and urban areas, and from the low to
mid 80s in higher elevations. Combined with high humidity, heat
indices are expected to exceed upper 90s to low 100s degrees F each
day. As a result, a limited heat threat will remain in place for
urban, coastal, and low-elevation areas. Residents and visitors are
encouraged to stay hydrated and avoid prolonged sun exposure during
peak heat hours.

&&

.AVIATION...
(18Z TAFS)
Issued at 222 PM AST Tue Apr 28 2026

Unstable weather conds will continue to produce SHRA/TSRA across
all terminals with brief MVFR/IFR possible. Recent PIREPs rpt
LGT/MOD TURB with MTN OBSC, especially nr TJSJ. TURB may persist
through the evening at terminal sites and En Route as unsettled
weather continues, particularly near areas of strong TS. BKN/OVC
cigs FL015–FL060 expected at times. Winds will turn light and vrb
aft 28/22Z.

&&

.MARINE...
Issued at 222 PM AST Tue Apr 28 2026

A series of surface highs and frontal lows over the western to
central Atlantic will continue over the next few days. This will
result in a weaker pressure gradient that will in turn promote
variable, light to gentle southeasterly winds, becoming more east-
northeasterly tonight and then more east-southeasterly again on
Thursday and east to east southeasterly on Friday. Moisture over
the region and a nearby trough will continue to result in showers
and isolated t-storms over the next few days. Pulses of small,
long- period northeasterly swell will continue to spread across
the Atlantic waters and local passages for the next few days,
though seas should remain between 2 to 4 feet.

&&

.BEACH FORECAST...
Issued at 222 PM AST Tue Apr 28 2026

Up to a moderate risk of rip currents will continue over the
region as pulses of a small, long period northeasterly swell
spreads across the local waters and passages with conditions
somewhat improving on Thursday. For tonight and tomorrow, this
moderate risk of rip currents will persist for the northern
coastline of Puerto Rico, and for Culebra and St. Croix, meaning
that life-threatening rip currents are possible in the surf zone.
A low risk of rip currents will continue over other areas,
however, life-threatening rip currents often occur in the vicinity
of groins, jetties, reefs, and piers. Beachgoers should also
continue to monitor the forecast for showers and afternoon
t-storms in the area, especially near northern coastal areas of
Puerto Rico, resulting in heavy rain, lighting and gusty winds.

&&

.SJU WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
PR...None.
VI...None.
AM...None.
&&

SHORT TERM/AVIATION...CVB
LONG TERM....YZR
MARINE/BEACH FORECAST...MRR

In the hours before

Special weather statement, Apr 28, 12:53 PM CDT, 1 hour 59 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service San Juan PR
153 PM AST Tue Apr 28 2026

PRZ001-004>006-281845-
San Juan and Vicinity PR-North Central PR-Central Interior PR-
Eastern Interior PR-
153 PM AST Tue Apr 28 2026

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT CENTRAL INTERIOR MUNICIPALITIES
THROUGH 230 PM AST...

At 153 PM AST, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Morovis. This thunderstorm was nearly stationary.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph and penny 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...

Conditions are favorable for the development of weak, brief funnel
clouds. This type of funnel cloud is harmless, but on rare occasions
they can briefly touch down, producing wind gusts over 50 mph. If a
funnel cloud is spotted move indoors and report your sighting to the
National Weather Service.

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.

This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.

To report severe weather, contact your nearest law enforcement
agency. They will relay your report to the National Weather Service
office in San Juan.

&&

LAT...LON 1828 6614 1827 6651 1843 6650 1845 6617
TIME...MOT...LOC 1753Z 138DEG 1KT 1834 6638

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

CVB
Special weather statement, Apr 28, 1:50 PM CDT, 1 hour 2 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service San Juan PR
250 PM AST Tue Apr 28 2026

PRZ001-002-004>006-009-281945-
San Juan and Vicinity PR-North Central PR-Central Interior PR-
Northeast PR-Western Interior PR-Eastern Interior PR-
250 PM AST Tue Apr 28 2026

...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT INTERIOR AND NORTH CENTRAL
MUNICIPALITIES THROUGH 345 PM AST...

At 249 PM AST, Doppler radar was tracking a cluster of strong
thunderstorms along a line extending from near Aguas Buenas to
Franquez. Movement was east at 25 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph and penny 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...

Conditions are favorable for the development of weak, brief funnel
clouds. This type of funnel cloud is harmless, but on rare occasions
they can briefly touch down, producing wind gusts over 50 mph. If a
funnel cloud is spotted move indoors and report your sighting to the
National Weather Service.

Torrential rainfall is also occurring with these storms and may lead
to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.

Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with these storms.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.

These storms may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.

&&

LAT...LON 1846 6622 1847 6619 1845 6618 1847 6614
      1845 6614 1843 6611 1843 6610 1845 6609
      1847 6613 1845 6603 1845 6598 1816 6604
      1821 6661 1848 6658 1847 6645 1850 6640
TIME...MOT...LOC 1849Z 277DEG 23KT 1827 6617 1832 6644

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

CVB

The office that day

Everything else NWS JSJ issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Apr 28, 12:39 PM CDTAreal Flood AdvisoryJSJ3 hr
Apr 28, 12:48 PM CDTAreal Flood AdvisoryJSJ3 hr
Apr 28, 12:53 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementJSJ52 min
Apr 28, 1:21 PM CDTAreal Flood AdvisoryJSJ114 min
Apr 28, 1:45 PM CDTAreal Flood AdvisoryJSJ2 hr
Apr 28, 1:50 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementJSJ55 min
Apr 28, 1:58 PM CDTAreal Flood AdvisoryJSJ3 hr
Apr 28, 2:15 PM CDTAreal Flood AdvisoryJSJ3 hr
Apr 28, 3:11 PM CDTAreal Flood AdvisoryJSJ2 hr
Apr 28, 3:28 PM CDTAreal Flood AdvisoryJSJ2 hr
Apr 28, 3:51 PM CDTAreal Flood AdvisoryJSJ107 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.