Puerto Rico, 2024

Flash Flooding and Debris Flows in Puerto Rico, September 8 to 10, 2024

September 8 to 10, 2024 · NWS SJU · 21 events in 10 counties and zones

An upper level trough lingered in the region, promoting unsettled weather conditions. Additionally, a tropical wave approached, bringing plenty of moisture in the region.

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.

  • Tornadoes
  • Tropical storms and surge
  • Floods
  • Wind
  • Hail
  • Winter weather
  • Heat and drought
  • Cold
  • Fire, smoke and dust
  • Marine and coastal
  • Other

Open the live radar over this ground

The toll

Deaths
0
Injuries
0
Property damage
$26,000
Crop damage
None recorded
Events
21

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.

What happened

The episode as NWS SJU wrote it up.

An upper level trough lingered in the region, promoting unsettled weather conditions. Additionally, a tropical wave approached, bringing plenty of moisture in the region. Widespread showers and thunderstorms were observed across Puerto Rico, with rainfall accumulations of 1 to 3 inches each day, and maximum amounts up to 5 inches. This led to several reports of mudslides, lightning, and flooding.

What forecasters said that day

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 Sep 8, 3:46 PM AST, 14 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Sep 8, 3:46 PM AST, 14 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service San Juan PR
346 PM AST Sun Sep 8 2024

.SYNOPSIS...

Expect shower and thunderstorm activity during the next few days
as the tropical upper tropospheric trough (TUTT) and a broad
tropical wave continues to move across the area. Southeasterly
winds and a high- moisture environment will also contribute to
excessive heat risks. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) is
monitoring an area, currently in the central tropical Atlantic,
with a medium cyclonic formation chance in the next 48 hours and
a high formation chance in the next seven days.

&&

.SHORT TERM...Today through Tuesday...

Doppler radar observed isolated shower activity across eastern
Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands in the morning. Around 10
AM, more well-developed showers began streaming across the eastern
sections of Puerto Rico, affecting Luquillo, Rio Grande, and
Fajardo. Afterward, the shower activity started to develop across
most of the eastern sections of Puerto Rico, the interior, and
the northwestern regions. Intense shower activity resulted in
rainfall accumulations between 1 and 3 inches, with the highest
amount observed in San Sebastian, where radar estimates indicated
around 3 inches. Although cloud cover persisted throughout the
morning, maximum temperatures climbed into the upper 80s to lower
90s, with heat indices ranging from 108 to 110 degrees
particularly along the southern coastal areas.

Unsettled and wet weather conditions will prevail for the rest of
the forecast period. The upper-level low will continue to linger
across the islands, resulting in an unstable pattern conducive to
the development of showers. Meanwhile, at the surface, a tropical
wave moving westward into the region will provide abundant moisture,
with PWAT values of 2.1 inches as indicated by derived GOES
satellite images. This combination will trigger active afternoon
showers and variable weather conditions during the late and early
morning hours. Given these expected conditions, the risk of
excessive rainfall will remain elevated, mainly for Puerto Rico.
Saturated soils could lead to localized flash flooding and
mudslides, particularly in small streams, creeks, and areas of steep
terrain. Residents and visitors should exercise caution or avoid
outdoor activities during the afternoon. Across the U.S. Virgin
Islands, minor flooding may occur on roads and in poor drainage
areas as shower activity increases.

Temperature-wise, the islands can expect warmer conditions, with
maximum temperatures in the upper 80s to lower 90s across most urban
and coastal areas. Heat indices could exacerbate health issues,
particularly in vulnerable populations. Given the forecast
conditions, heat advisories and warnings are likely to be issued.

&&

.LONG TERM...Wednesday through Sunday...
//from previous discussion//

An upper level trough will be present northeast of the local islands
to start the period, before gradually weakening throughout the
workweek. By the end of the week, a mid-level ridge will reduce
instability aloft. Precipitable water (PWAT) values will continue
mainly above 2.1 inches for the start of the period, above normal
values for this time of the year. East to east-southeast winds will
aid in providing moisture to the area. Expect variable weather
conditions as local, orographic and diurnal effects generates
afternoon convective activity, increasing the risk of flooding
during the afternoon for sectors of interior and western Puerto
Rico. Lines of convection (showers and thunderstorms) can also
develop from the USVI, Vieques, Culebra, and from El Yunque. Periods
of passing overnight and early morning showers are also forecast
across windward sectors of the islands. With available moisture and
east to east-southeast winds, heat indices in coastal, urban and
lower elevation areas can reach above 108 degrees Fahrenheit. The
Climate Prediction Center's (CPC) Global Tropics Hazards Outlook
indicates a greater than 50% probability of above-average rainfall
across the northeastern Caribbean during the period. The National
Hurricane Center (NHC) is monitoring an area, currently in the
central tropical Atlantic, with a medium cyclonic formation chance
through the next seven days. While it's too early to assess any
potential impact on our forecast area, please continue to remain
vigilant and monitor future forecast updates from the NHC and from
WFO San Juan.

&&

.AVIATION...
(18z)

SHRA and TSRA are resulting in MVFR conditions across
all TAF sites. Winds will continue from the E-SE at up to 15 knots
with gusts. TSRA and SHRA may lead to lower ceilings across the
mountains and reduced visibility. Another round of SHRA with TS is
forecast for all eastern TAF sites from 09/09Z to 09/15Z.

&&

.MARINE...

A surface high pressure across the Atlantic will promote gentle to
moderate easterly winds over the next few days. An upper-level
trough to our north and a broad tropical wave moving in from the east
will boost shower and thunderstorm activity during the next few
days. Thunderstorms will affect the coastal waters of western Puerto
Rico each afternoon.

&&

.BEACH FORECAST...

A moderate rip current risk is present along the northern and
eastern-facing beaches of Puerto Rico and Culebra. Low risk
elsewhere, however, life-threatening rip currents often occur in
the vicinity of groins, jetties, reefs, and piers.

&&

.SJU WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
PR...Heat Advisory until 4 PM AST this afternoon for PRZ011.

VI...None.
AM...None.
&&

SHORT TERM...LIS/WS
LONG TERM...MRR
AVIATION...LIS/WS
PUBLIC DESK...MMC/RVT
Hazardous weather outlook, Sep 8, 5:03 AM AST, 10 hours 57 minutes before
Perspectiva sobre las Condiciones Peligrosas del Tiempo
Servicio Nacional de Meteorología San Juan PR
448 AM AST domingo 8 de septiembre de 2024

AMZ711>745-PRZ001>013-091000-
San Juan y Vecindad-Noreste-Sureste-Este Interior-
Norte Central-Central Interior-Ponce y Vecindad-Noroeste-
Oeste Interior-Mayagüez y Vecindad-Suroeste-Culebra-Vieques-
Las aguas cercanas y fuera de la costa del Atlántico y del Caribe-
448 AM AST domingo 8 de septiembre de 2024

Esta perspectiva sobre las condiciones peligrosas del tiempo es para
sectores de Puerto Rico.

.DÍA UNO...Hoy y esta noche

.Rayos...Tormentas eléctricas de aisladas a dispersas son posibles.
Planee detener toda la actividad al aire libre y moverse a refugios.

.Lluvia Excesiva...Inundaciones en áreas urbanas, carreteras,
riachuelos y lavados.  Inundaciones repentinas aisladas son posibles.

.Calor Excesivo...Este nivel de calor afecta a la mayoría de los
individuos sensibles al calor, especialmente aquellos sin
enfriamiento efectivo y/o hidratación adecuada.  Impactos posibles
en algunos sistemas de salud y en industrias sensibles al calor.

.Condiciones Marítimas...Las embarcaciones pequeñas deben ejercer
precaución a través de sectores de las aguas fuera de las 10 millas
nauticas del Atlántico.

.Corrientes Marinas...Corrientes marinas amenazantes a la vida son
posibles en la zona de olas rompientes, particularmente a través del
norte de Puerto Rico y Culebra.

.DÍAS DOS A SIETE...lunes a sábado

Contenido de humedad muy por encima de lo normal y las condiciones
inestables ayudarán al desarrollo de tormentas eléctricas en los
próximos días, manteniendo el riesgo de lluvia excesiva y rayos.
Mientras tanto, los vientos del sureste y un ambiente de alta
humedad producirán riesgos de peligro de calor excesivo.  Un riesgo
moderado de corrientes marinas persistirá.

.COMUNICADO SOBRE INFORMACIÓN DE OBSERVADORES...

Se les exhorta a los observadores a reportar.  Favor de reportar
cualquier información sobre inundaciones, vientos, olas y corrientes
marinas al Servicio Nacional de Meteorología en San Juan.

AMZ716-726-VIZ001-002-091000-
San Thomas San John e islas adyacentes-Santa Cruz-
Aguas cercanas a la costa del Atlántico y aguas costeras adyacentes
del Caribe-
448 AM AST domingo 8 de septiembre de 2024

Esta Perspectiva sobre las Condiciones Peligrosas del Tiempo es para
sectores de las Islas Vírgenes Americanas.

.DÍA UNO...Hoy y esta noche

.Rayos...Tormentas eléctricas aisladas son posibles. Esté atento a
las  tormentas eléctricas en su área y esté preparado para buscar
refugio.

.Lluvia Excesiva...Inundaciones en áreas urbanas, carreteras,
riachuelos y lavados.  Inundaciones repentinas aisladas posibles.

.Calor Excesivo...Este nivel de calor afecta a la mayoría de los
individuos sensibles al calor, especialmente aquellos sin
enfriamiento efectivo y/o hidratación adecuada.  Impactos posibles
en algunos sistemas de salud y en industrias sensibles al calor.

.Condiciones Marítimas...Las embarcaciones pequeñas deben ejercer
precaución a través de sectores de las aguas fuera de las 10 millas
nauticas del Atlántico.

.DÍAS DOS A SIETE...lunes a sábado

Muy por encima del contenido de humedad y las condiciones inestables
apoyarán el desarrollo de tormentas eléctricas en los próximos días,
manteniendo el riesgo de lluvia excesiva y rayos.  Mientras tanto,
los vientos del sureste y un ambiente de alta humedad producirán
riesgos de peligro de calor excesivo.  Un riesgo moderado de
corrientes marinas regresará para Santa Cruz el lunes.

.COMUNICADO SOBRE INFORMACIÓN DE OBSERVADORES...

Se les exhorta a los observadores a reportar.  Favor de reportar
cualquier información sobre inundaciones, vientos, olas y corrientes
marinas al Servicio Nacional de Meteorología en San Juan.

The radar

The San Juan radar (TJUA), 30 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 20:02 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

14 flood, 4 flash flood, 2 debris flow, 1 lightning. Local standard time, as filed.

Flash Flood, Naguabo

When
September 8, 4:00 PM AST to 7:00 PM AST
Where
Naguabo County, 5.3 mi W of Naguabo to 5.27 mi W of Naguabo
Cause
Heavy Rain
Property damage
$1,000
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
18.210, -65.810

A member of the public reported on social media that Road 31 in Naguabo is being affected by flooding due to Rio Blanco overflowing since around 1 to 2.30 inches have fallen.

Debris Flow, Jayuya

When
September 9, 9:30 AM AST to 1:30 PM AST
Where
Jayuya County, 4 mi W of Jayuya to 3.87 mi W of Jayuya
Cause
Heavy Rain
Property damage
$10,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
18.190, -66.640

The Emergency Manager director from Jayuya reported a landslide at PR-140 in direction from Adjuntas (south) to Jayuya. The main road has a sinkhole, and it was described to be in very bad shape. One lane remained open and heavy traffic was not permitted.

Flood, Cabo Rojo

When
September 9, 3:15 PM AST to 5:15 PM AST
Where
Cabo Rojo County, 4.47 mi NNW of Cabo Rojo
Cause
Heavy Rain
Property damage
$1,000
Reported by
Social Media
Coordinates
18.090, -67.156

A picture in social media showed flooding at PR-102, intersection Calle Rafael Hernandez, close to the McDonalds. The road was almost impassable.

Flood, Guaynabo

When
September 9, 4:40 PM AST to 5:30 PM AST
Where
Guaynabo County, 5.36 mi WNW of Guaynabo to 5.87 mi WNW of Guaynabo
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
18.370, -66.100

A member of the public reported that Avenue Esmeralda is completely affected by flooding.

Flood, San Juan

When
September 9, 4:40 PM AST to 5:30 PM AST
Where
San Juan County, 3.61 mi WNW of San Juan to 3.48 mi WNW of San Juan
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
18.399, -66.101

A member of the public reported that Road Olympic in Summit Hills is being affected by flooding.

Flood, Cabo Rojo

When
September 9, 4:43 PM AST to 5:30 PM AST
Where
Cabo Rojo County, 4.57 mi NNW of Cabo Rojo to 4.56 mi NNW of Cabo Rojo
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
18.088, -67.163

A member of the public reported that Calle Los Robles in Urb. Sierra Linda is being affected by flooding.

Flood, Guaynabo

When
September 9, 4:45 PM AST to 5:30 PM AST
Where
Guaynabo County, 7.08 mi NW of Guaynabo to 7.06 mi NW of Guaynabo
Cause
Heavy Rain
Property damage
$1,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
18.400, -66.109

Road PR-19 near a Shell Gas Station was impassable due to flooding from Quebrada Margarita.

Flood, Cabo Rojo

When
September 9, 4:50 PM AST to 5:30 PM AST
Where
Cabo Rojo County, 4.83 mi NNW of Cabo Rojo to 4.81 mi NNW of Cabo Rojo
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
18.095, -67.157

A member of the public reported that the marginal between PR-100 and El Meson restaurant in Cabo Rojo was flooded.

Lightning, Cabo Rojo

When
September 9, 4:50 PM AST to 5:00 PM AST
Where
Cabo Rojo County, 5.22 mi NNW of Cabo Rojo
Property damage
$3,000
Reported by
Broadcast Media
Coordinates
18.100, -67.160

A lightning stroke a wall at Galeria 100 Shopping Center in Cabo Rojo. The pictures indicated a small hole was left on the wall.

Flood, Cabo Rojo

When
September 9, 5:00 PM AST to September 10, 6:00 PM AST
Where
Cabo Rojo County, 3.98 mi NNW of Cabo Rojo to 3.92 mi NNW of Cabo Rojo
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
18.080, -67.160

Flooding was reported at PR-308 near Urb. Girasol.

Flood, Guaynabo

When
September 9, 5:00 PM AST to 6:00 PM AST
Where
Guaynabo County, 7.14 mi NW of Guaynabo to 7.07 mi NW of Guaynabo
Cause
Heavy Rain
Property damage
$1,000
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
18.400, -66.110

The exit toward Highway Martinez Nadal was impassable due to flooding.

Debris Flow, San German

When
September 9, 5:00 PM AST to 7:45 PM AST
Where
San German County, 2.79 mi NNW of San German to 2.64 mi NNW of San German
Cause
Heavy Rain
Property damage
$1,000
Reported by
Broadcast Media
Coordinates
18.137, -67.047

A landslide was reported at PR-393. The rocks were covering the road completely.

Flood, Guaynabo

When
September 9, 5:20 PM AST to 6:00 PM AST
Where
Guaynabo County, 5.75 mi NW of Guaynabo to 5.69 mi NW of Guaynabo
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
18.380, -66.100

A member of the public reported that PR-177 from Bayamon to Guaynabo near Santa Maria Shopping Center is being affected by flooding.

Flood, San Juan

When
September 10, 12:55 PM AST to 2:50 PM AST
Where
San Juan County, 3.52 mi N of San Juan to 3.54 mi N of San Juan
Cause
Heavy Rain
Property damage
$1,000
Reported by
Broadcast Media
Coordinates
18.430, -66.060

Broadcast media reported via social media partial flooding on PR-1 near Milla de Oro, close to MCS, directly in front of Boveda Restaurante. Some lanes were impassable, but vehicles were still able to pass through the available lane, albeit with some difficulty.

Flood, Carolina

When
September 10, 2:39 PM AST to 4:50 PM AST
Where
Carolina County, 2.34 mi NNW of Carolina to 2.32 mi NNW of Carolina
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
State Official
Coordinates
18.402, -65.962

A 911 reporter informed that Calle 88 in Carolina is being affected by flooding.

Flash Flood, San Juan

When
September 10, 2:58 PM AST to 4:32 PM AST
Where
San Juan County, 1.42 mi ENE of San Juan to 1.45 mi ENE of San Juan
Cause
Heavy Rain
Property damage
$3,000
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
18.391, -66.032

A stranded car due to flooding was reported in Calle Junin, Intersection with Calle 1.

Flash Flood, Carolina

When
September 10, 3:20 PM AST to 4:30 PM AST
Where
Carolina County, 4.58 mi NW of Carolina to 4.65 mi NW of Carolina
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
NWS Employee
Coordinates
18.419, -65.998

An NWS employee reported heavy traffic at Ave Iturregui, in the traffic light in front of Ciudad Deportiva, due to flood waters making the road almost impassable.

Flash Flood, Adjuntas

When
September 10, 3:30 PM AST to 4:30 PM AST
Where
Adjuntas County, 3.7 mi NNW of Adjuntas to 3.68 mi NNW of Adjuntas
Cause
Heavy Rain
Property damage
$1,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
18.220, -66.770

Adjuntas. Adjuntas OMME Director reported a creek out of its banks in Barrio Tanama Sector Valle along PR-526 in Adjuntas near Barra El Valle.

Flood, San Juan

When
September 10, 3:51 PM AST to 4:51 PM AST
Where
San Juan County, 1.81 mi NNW of San Juan
Cause
Heavy Rain
Property damage
$1,000
Reported by
Broadcast Media
Coordinates
18.405, -66.057

Broadcast media reported flooding along Avenue Luis Munoz Rivera, right in front of El Hipopotamo restaurant. The road looked almost impassable with cars crossing with difficulty.

Flood, Fajardo

When
September 10, 6:35 PM AST to 8:35 PM AST
Where
Fajardo County, 0.18 mi N of Fajardo to 0.18 mi ESE of Fajardo
Cause
Heavy Rain
Property damage
$1,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
18.323, -65.650

Fajardo OMME Director informed of a water surge from Rio Fajardo, flooding PR-194 near Iglesia Bautista Nueva Jerusalem. The road was closed due to water overpassing the bridge.

Flood, Hormigueros

When
September 10, 7:45 PM AST to 8:45 PM AST
Where
Hormigueros County, 1.75 mi SE of Hormigueros to 1.46 mi SE of Hormigueros
Cause
Heavy Rain
Property damage
$1,000
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
18.111, -67.103

A car was stranded at PR-114 as flooding waters from Rio Guanajibo continued to cover the road.

What these are

Flash Flood
Flooding that begins within six hours of the rain that causes it, or of a dam or levee failure or ice jam release, often with deadly speed.
Debris Flow
A fast-moving slurry of mud, rock and debris, usually on a slope soaked by heavy rain or stripped by a fire.
Flood
Flooding that develops more slowly than a flash flood: rivers leaving their banks, or water standing over land for an extended time.
Lightning
A lightning strike that killed, injured or caused damage.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

More

Every storm in Puerto Rico in 2024Every state in 2024This day in weather historyWarnings in Puerto Rico, September 2024

Sources

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: 1216721, 1216740, 1216739, 1216725, 1216726, 1216727, 1216728, 1216729, 1216738, 1216730, 1216731, 1216741, 1216732, 1216733, 1216734, 1216722, 1216723, 1216724, 1216735, 1216736, 1216737.