Outer rainbands from the distant Tropical Cyclone Franklin over the western Atlantic brought unsettled weather conditions across Puerto Rico on August 26th. Between 2 and 4 inches of rain were observed along the southern and eastern half of Puerto Rico.
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Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.
The episode as NWS SJU wrote it up.
Outer rainbands from the distant Tropical Cyclone Franklin over the western Atlantic brought unsettled weather conditions across Puerto Rico on August 26th. Between 2 and 4 inches of rain were observed along the southern and eastern half of Puerto Rico. This rainfall resulted in flash flooding, river flooding, and mudslides.
The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.
NWS San Juan, PR wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Aug 25, 8:48 PM AST, 8 hours 12 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service San Juan PR 848 PM AST Fri Aug 25 2023 ...New UPDATE...AVIATION... .UPDATE... Mostly cloudy skies continued across the region into the evening hours,as cloud debris from afternoon and early evening showers and thunderstorm activity lingered across the region. A tail of moisture from the distant Tropical storm Franklin eventually propagated southward across the forecast area today bringing periods of locally heavy rains, frequent lightning strikes and rainfall accumulations between 1 to 3 inches especially over the west coastal areas, central interior and southern slopes of Puerto Rico. Lesser showers of mostly light to moderate intensity was noted elsewhere over PR. Only few light showers wee observed around the USVI, where variably cloudy skies prevailed. Expect the mid to upper level moisture plume to linger across parts of the Mona passage, south and east PR and the USVI overnight. This will favor another round of showers mainly along parts of the south and east coastal areas of PR but also around the adjacent islands and mainly the northern USVI. The recent TJSJ 26/00Z upper sounding was very moist with marginally unstable conditions aloft which provided good ventilation for the convection today. Low level winds were 15-25 mph below 500 millibars and from the south to southwest veering with height above. Otherwise no change to the inherited short term forecast and reasoning at this time. .AVIATION UPDATE... Vfr conds at all terminals durg prd, however SCT SHRA/Isold TSRA will continue to affect the coastal waters and particularly the Atlantic waters and the Mona passage. sct-bkn LYRS NR FL025...FL050. BKN-OVC lyrs btw FL080-FL100 and nr FL250 due to convective cloud debris spread across the local flying region. Mtn top obscr til 26/12Z ovr the interior sections of PR due to low clds and -RA. Sfc wnds calm to light and vrbl bcmg fm S-SW btw 5-10 kts aft 26/14Z. && .From previous discussion/issued at 406 PM AST Fri Aug 25 2023/ .SYNOPSIS... Clouds and showers from distant to the north Tropical Storm Franklin will continue to impact the islands through tomorrow. Skies will begin to clear out by late in the weekend. Drier weather is expected by early next week. Another round of showers is anticipated by the middle of next week. Temperatures will remain above normal Sunday onward. && .SHORT TERM...Tonight trough Sunday... The cloud shield from disorganized Tropical Storm Franklin, which centered is located about 260 miles northeast of San Juan, reached the local islands, resulting in cloudy skies. The clouds, however, protected the islands from excessive heat, thus the heat advisories and warnings were cancelled early in the day. Additionally, a feeding band from the tropical storm reached the Mona Channel, with numerous showers and thunderstorms clearly observed on Doppler radar and satellite imagery. This activity then moved across the western and northern half of Puerto Rico, causing periods heavy rain and gusty winds. Another cluster of storms developed along the interior, with brief periods of heavy rainfall observed, and accumulations around 1 to 2 inches. At the end of the afternoon, most of Puerto Rico at least received a drizzle from the outer band of Franklin. No rain was observed across the U.S. Virgin Islands. The official forecast from the National Hurricane Center does show the tropical storm eventually lifting to the north, but before that, some showers could still make it into the islands tonight and early tomorrow, so the users should be aware of any hazards that these storms may bring. The winds will remain from the south or southwest through Sunday, at around 10 knots on Saturday and a little stronger on Sunday. Under this flow, morning showers may be driven from the Caribbean Sea across the southern and southwestern municipalities of Puerto Rico. Afternoon activity should be focused around north and northeast Puerto Rico. Some flooding and strong gusty winds can be expected with the activity. The GFS forecast sounding shows saturation in the upper level of the atmosphere for Saturday, indicating cloudy skies lingering. By Sunday, relative humidities values at the upper levels drop, hence skies should gradually clear out. With more sunshine reaching the islands, temperatures will climb up above normal again, and heat advisories or warnings may be required later in the weekend. && .LONG TERM...Monday through Thursday.../from prev discussion/ The last remnants of a persistent rainband from Tropical Storm Franklin will begin receding to the north over the local Atlantic waters Sunday and drier air will enter the area through Monday. By Tuesday, Franklin is forecast to be a hurricane more than a thousand miles north of Punta Cana and flow in the lower levels will turn to the east. Some moisture will return on this flow and allow us to return to more typical weather for mid-August. This will mean overnight and morning showers on the east coast of Puerto Rico, and showers and thunderstorms over the western interior during the afternoons. Only random showers are expected in the U.S. Virgin Islands during the long term period, although downstream showers may form each day. At upper levels, high pressure northeast of the local area on Sunday will move north allowing easterly flow to prevail. Low pressure will form in the tropical Atlantic in a westward moving trough on Monday and pass over Puerto Rico on Wednesday afternoon. An inverted trough at lower levels is now forecast to move through the Caribbean which should increase shower activity during the middle of the week ahead. The southeasterly flow will bring another bump in the temperatures--mainly on the north coasts. && .AVIATION... SHRA and isolated thunderstorms will persist across TJBQ through around 00Z, with VCSH expected for TJSJ and TJPS. These conditions could result in periods of lower ceilings and brief reductions in VIS. Winds will remain from the S at 6-9 kts, but could be stronger around these thunderstorms. && .MARINE... Outer bands from Franklin are causing locally hazardous seas due to strong showers and thunderstorms. This activity will linger into tomorrow. Otherwise, seas are at 5 feet or less and benign conditions are expected afterward. The risk for rip currents is moderate for the northern coast of Puerto Rico. && .SJU WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... PR...None. VI...None. AM...None. && SHORT TERM...RAM LONG TERM....MMC AVIATION...RAM
Perspectivas sobre las Condiciones Peligrosas del Tiempo Nacional de Meteorologia en San Juan PR 159 PM AST viernes 25 de agosto de 2023 AMZ711>745-PRZ001>013-261800- San Juan y Vecindad-Noreste-Sureste-Este Interior-Norte Central- Interior Central-Ponce y Vecindad-Noroeste-Oeste Interior-Mayaguez y Vecindad-Suroeste-Culebra-Vieques-Aguas cercanas y lejanas a la costa del Atlantico y del Caribe- 159 PM AST viernes 25 de agosto de 2023 Esta perspectiva sobre las condiciones peligrosas del tiempo es para Puerto Rico. .DIA UNO...Esta tarde y esta noche .Rayos...Tronadas de aisladas a dispersas son posibles a traves de porciones de Puerto Rico. Este atento a las tormentas electricas en su area y este preparado para refugiarse. .Lluvia Excesiva...Inundaciones en areas urbanas, carreteras y riachuelos. Inundaciones repentinas aisladas son posibles. .Calor Excesivo...Indices de calor de 102 a 107 grados a traves de las areas urbanas y costeras. Agotamiento por calor es probable con exposicion prolongada. .Corrientes Marinas...Correintes marinas amenazantes a la vida son posibles en la zona de ola rompiente particularmente a traves del noroeste de Puerto Rico. .DIAS DOS A SIETE...sabado a jueves Calor excesivo continuara hasta el jueves para areas bajas y urbanas en la costa norte de Puerto Rico, Culebra y Vieques. Las bandas de la cola de la Tormenta Tropical Franklin podran alcanzar el area tarde tarde hoy hacia el sabado. Indices de calor altos durante horas del medio dia a traves de la mayoria de los lugares de elevaciones bajas. Tronadas son posibles cada dia. Se espera un riesgo moderado de corrientes marinas para las playas del noroeste, y norte-central. .Comunicado sobre informacion reportada por observadores... No se recomienda la activacion de los observadores. AMZ716-726-VIZ001-002-261800- San Tomas, San John y las Islas Adyacentes-Santa Cruz- Aguas cercanas a la Costa del Atlantico y aguas costeras adyacentes del Caribe- 159 PM AST viernes 25 de agosto de 2023 Esta perspectiva sobre las condiciones peligrosas del tiempo es para las Islas Virgenes Estadounidenses. .DIA UNO...Esta tarde y esta noche .Calor Excesivo...Indices de calor de 102 a 107 grados a traves de las islas. Agotamiento por calor es probable con exposicion prolongada. .DIAS DOS A SIETE...sabado a jueves Indices de calor de 102 a 107 grados ocurriran durante horas pico del dia para la mayoria de las areas de poca elevacion. Habra un riesgo bajo de corrientes marinas para todas las playas de las Islas Virgenes Americanas. .Comunicado sobre informacion reportada por observadores... No se requiere la activacion de los observadores.
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service San Juan PR
242 AM AST Sat Aug 26 2023
PRZ003-004-006-007-260745-
Central Interior PR-Ponce and Vicinity PR-Eastern Interior PR-
Southeast PR-
242 AM AST Sat Aug 26 2023
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of Villalba, Guayama,
Coamo, Ponce, Cayey, Salinas, Juana Diaz, Santa Isabel and Aibonito
Municipalities through 345 AM AST...
At 241 AM AST, a strong thunderstorm was over Juana Diaz, moving
east at 25 mph.
HAZARD...Winds up to 40 mph, frequent lightning and heavy rain.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Expect minor damage to tree limbs and blowing around of
light, unsecured objects. Heavy rain may cause temporary
street flooding especially in poor drainage areas.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
People outdoors should seek shelter immediately. If you can hear
thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning. Motorists
should slow down and be prepared for possible loss of control due to
hydroplaning.
&&
LAT...LON 1796 6643 1799 6646 1796 6658 1813 6659
1815 6623 1796 6609 1795 6610 1795 6620
1796 6620 1795 6622 1795 6629 1798 6632
1796 6636
TIME...MOT...LOC 0641Z 258DEG 22KT 1807 6647
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
DSRComunicado Especial sobre las Condiciones del Tiempo Servicio Nacional de Meteorologa San Juan PR 242 AM AST sbado 26 de agosto de 2023 PRZ003-004-006-007-260745- Interior Central PR-Ponce y Vecindad PR-Interior Este PR- Sureste PR- 242 AM AST sbado 26 de agosto de 2023 ...Una tronada fuerte impactar sectores de Villalba, Guayama, Coamo, Ponce, Cayey, Salinas, Juana Diaz, Santa Isabel y Aibonito hasta las 345 AM AST... A las 241 AM AST, una tronada fuerte estaba sobre Juana Diaz, movindose hacia el este a 25 mph. PELIGRO...Vientos de hasta 40 mph, rayos frecuentes y lluvia fuerte. FUENTE...Indicado por radar. IMPACTO...Espere daos menores en las ramas de los rboles y objetos ligeros, no asegurados. La lluvia fuerte puede causar inundaciones temporales de las calles, especialmente en reas de drenaje pobre. MEDIDAS DE PRECAUCIN/PREPARACIN... Las personas en el exterior deben buscar refugio inmediatamente. Si puedes or un trueno, ests lo suficientemente cerca como para ser alcanzado por un rayo. Los automovilistas deben reducir la velocidad y estar preparados para una posible prdida de control debido al hidroplaneo. TAMAO DE GRANIZO MXIMO...0.00 EN RFAGA DE VIENTO MXIMA...40 MPH DSR
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service San Juan PR
352 AM AST Sat Aug 26 2023
PRZ003-260815-
Southeast PR-
352 AM AST Sat Aug 26 2023
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of Arroyo, Yabucoa,
Maunabo and Patillas Municipalities through 415 AM AST...
At 351 AM AST, a strong thunderstorm was over Patillas, moving east
at 10 mph.
HAZARD...Winds up to 40 mph and frequent lightning.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Expect minor damage to tree limbs and blowing around of
light, unsecured objects. Lightning is one of nature's
leading killers. If you can hear thunder, you are close
enough to be struck by lightning.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
People outdoors should seek shelter immediately. Electrical
appliances should not be used unless in an emergency.
&&
LAT...LON 1797 6606 1805 6608 1809 6585 1804 6583
1801 6584 1801 6587 1799 6588 1799 6590
1797 6591 1797 6598 1798 6599
TIME...MOT...LOC 0751Z 257DEG 7KT 1799 6599
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
DSComunicado Especial sobre las Condiciones del Tiempo Servicio Nacional de Meteorologa San Juan PR 352 AM AST sbado 26 de agosto de 2023 PRZ003-260815- Sureste PR- 352 AM AST sbado 26 de agosto de 2023 ...Una tormenta elctrica fuerte impactar sectores de Arroyo, Yabucoa, Maunabo y Patillas hasta las 415 AM AST... A las 351 AM AST, una tormenta elctrica fuerte estaba sobre Patillas, movindose hacia el este a 10 mph. PELIGRO...Vientos de hasta 40 mph y rayos frecuentes. FUENTE...Indicado por radar. IMPACTO...Espere daos menores en las ramas de los rboles y objetos ligeros, no asegurados. Los rayos es uno de los principales asesinos de la naturaleza. Si puedes or un trueno, ests lo suficientemente cerca como para ser alcanzado por un rayo. MEDIDAS DE PRECAUCIN/PREPARACIN... Las personas en el exterior deben buscar refugio inmediatamente. Los aparatos elctricos no deben usarse a menos que en una emergencia. TAMAO DE GRANIZO MXIMO...0.00 EN RFAGA DE VIENTO MXIMA...40 MPH DS
The San Juan radar (TJUA), 20 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 08:59 UTC.
6 flash flood, 4 debris flow, 2 flood. Local standard time, as filed.
Emergency Managers indicated that Rio Maunabo went out of its banks, overflowing|over a bridge.
A report from Emergency Managers indicated that three houses were affected by flooding |in Urb. Valles de Patillas.
A 911 Call Center reported flash flooding and water flooding one apartment in Building 10 |at Residencial Villa Real, Patillas.
Flooding was reported on road PR-53 from Ceiba to Naguabo, near Urb Prado Hermoso.
Emergency managers reported a fallen tree from a small mudslide obstructing PR-503 at Barrio Tibes in Ponce.
A mudslide was reported on road PR-181 from Gurabo to Trujillo Alto.
Road PR-704 was impassable due to flooding, near the baseball park at Barrio Cuyon, from Coamo to Aibonito.
Emergency Managers indicated that water from flooding was rising along Barrio Maruenos,|Sector Jaguas. The mud in the water was reaching several houses in this area.
Rio Inabon reached flood stage, and road PR-511 had to be closed due to flooding.
Emergency Managers reported a mudslide that was blocking access at Real Anon on km 10.8.
Emergency Managers reported that Comunidad Tiburones was flooded from previous rainfall and excessive runoff.
A mudslide was reported at PR-157 in El Tanque del Reparto, Vietnam, in Orocovis. No damage was reported to any residential structure.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Puerto Rico in 2023Every state in 2023This day in weather historyWarnings in Puerto Rico, August 2023
NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 1126076, 1126077, 1126078, 1126080, 1126089, 1126090, 1126081, 1126082, 1126083, 1126091, 1126085, 1126093.