A deep tropical moisture surge contributed to the generation of showers and thunderstorms. As rain accumulated, soil became saturated, and flooding and landslides were registered.
Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.
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.
A deep tropical moisture surge contributed to the generation of showers and thunderstorms. As rain accumulated, soil became saturated, and flooding and landslides were registered. Also, wind and lightning damage was also observed within the thunderstorms.
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 18, 5:17 AM AST, 1 hour 31 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service San Juan PR 517 AM AST Thu Sep 18 2025 .KEY MESSAGES... * A departing tropical wave, in combination with an upper-level trough, will continue to enhance shower and thunderstorm activity today. As a result, the risk of flooding will remain elevated across Puerto Rico. Additional hazards include rapid river rises, landslides, and frequent lightning. * Across the U.S. Virgin Islands, a showery pattern will persist today, leading to a limited risk to observe flooding. * A warming trend is expected to begin on Friday, bringing increasing temperatures that may cause heat indices to reach Heat Advisory criteria through at least early next week, particularly in coastal and urban areas. * A moderate risk of rip currents is in effect for the northern and eastern beaches of Puerto Rico, as well as Culebra and St. Croix today. Although Tropical Storm Gabrielle is forecast to move well northeast of the region this weekend, swells generated by the storm may lead to a slight deterioration in marine and beach conditions. && .SHORT TERM...Today through Saturday... Persistent showers and thunderstorms, generated by a passing tropical wave and a nearby upper-level trough, spread across much of the region overnight. Radar estimates show peak rainfall near two inches between Naguabo and Ceiba in eastern Puerto Rico, and across eastern St. Croix. Several flood advisories were issued, but no flooding impacts have been reported. However, the Rio Fajardo did respond to the rainfall, briefly exceeding action flood stage. Overnight lows finally dropped below 80°F across most areas, except at exposed sites on St. John. Winds were light and variable over land from the east-northeast, with brief gusts near the stronger storms. A departing tropical wave and a trough to the north will keep the atmosphere very moist and unstable today, with PWAT values above 2.1 inches and weak winds to steer storms. Showers and thunderstorms will affect Puerto Rico and the USVI through the day—beginning over windward areas of eastern PR, the USVI, and nearby islands in the morning, then spreading inland and focusing on the interior and west- northwest PR by afternoon and evening. These slow-moving storms could produce frequent lightning, gusty winds, and heavy rain capable of flooding already saturated soils and urban areas. The USVI will remain active as well, with less frequent and likely less intense storms, but similar hazards possible throughout the day. Since it is a weekday with school and work underway, allow extra travel time and stay alert for flooded roads, poor drainage areas, and dangerous lightning. A very wet pattern will persist, with only a brief break Friday night before another surge of tropical moisture arrives over the weekend. With the upper trough still in place and winds weakening below 10 mph, showers and thunderstorms will be slow-moving, heightening the risk of flooding, localized flash flooding, and landslides in saturated areas. Central Puerto Rico will see storms each afternoon, with the most active zones shifting from the west and northwest on Friday to the north on Saturday, while the USVI trends drier. A southerly flow, perhaps influenced by Tropical Storm Gabrielle tracking northwest well north of the region, will also favor hot and humid conditions. Winds will ease from gentle tonight to light on Friday and Saturday. As rain coverage decreases, dangerous heat will become an additional concern. .LONG TERM...Sunday through Thursday... For the long-term period, as Tropical Storm Gabrielle moves well northeast of the region, our area will be positioned in a col region. As the pressure gradient weakens, very light east- southeasterly winds are expected to persist on Sunday and continue through at least Monday night. This flow will help maintain a healthy moisture content across the area. According to the latest model guidance, precipitable water values are forecast to fluctuate between 1.80 and 2.20 inches from Sunday through Tuesday, which is within the average to above-average range for this time of year. In terms of temperature, forecast data suggests that 925 mb temperatures will peak at nearly two standard deviations above normal on Sunday and remain near the 75th percentile into early next week. This pattern will increase the risk of heat-related impacts across the region. Heat Advisories or even Extreme Heat Warnings may be issued. Under this scenario, expect morning showers across windward areas of the islands, followed by afternoon showers and isolated thunderstorms across the interior and western sectors of Puerto Rico, fueled by diurnal heating and local effects. Urban and small stream flooding is likely to persist each day, and some rivers may reach flood stage. Saturated soils from recent rainfall combined with light winds during this period will contribute to slower-moving showers, which could lead to higher rainfall totals and an increased risk of flooding. Additional hazards may include landslides, frequent lightning, and gusty winds. On Tuesday night, a wind surge is expected to approach the region, bringing gusty winds along with increased moisture and a higher chance of rainfall through the middle of the week. By Wednesday and Thursday, one of the tropical waves currently being monitored by the National Hurricane Center is expected to approach, further enhancing a wetter pattern across the islands. We will continue to monitor this evolving situation closely and provide updates as necessary. && .AVIATION... (06Z TAFs) Frequent, slow-moving SHRA/TSRA will affect the region over the next 24 hours, producing periods of MVFR and brief IFR conditions. Activity will mainly impact TJSJ and USVI terminals through 18/16Z, before expanding to most terminals for the remainder of the forecast period. East-southeast trade winds will prevail today, starting light to calm and variable at TAF sites this morning, then increasing to 14–18 kt with higher gusts between 18/14–22Z, before easing again to light and variable after 18/22Z. Gusty, erratic winds are likely in and near SHRA/TSRA. && .MARINE... A surface high-pressure system over the central Atlantic will promote gentle to locally moderate east to southeast winds today. For the rest of the forecast period, light to gentle easterly to southeasterly winds will prevail as the pressure gradient weakens. A departing tropical wave will continue to result in frequent showers and strong thunderstorms over the local waters today. Additionally, swells generated by Tropical Storm Gabrielle, as it moves northeast of the region, could slightly deteriorate marine conditions this weekend across the Atlantic waters. && .BEACH FORECAST... A moderate risk of rip currents is in effect for the north and east-facing beaches of Puerto Rico, Culebra, and St. Croix, with a low risk elsewhere. While a brief improvement in conditions is expected on Friday, the moderate risk will return Saturday and persist into early next week, driven by swells from Tropical Storm Gabrielle. Beachgoers should exercise caution at all times, as a moderate risk indicates that life-threatening rip currents are possible in the surf zone. In addition, thunderstorms are a hazard for the beachgoers today. Remember, if you hear thunder, seek shelter in a safe indoor location immediately. && .SJU WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... PR...None. VI...None. AM...None. && SHORT TERM/AVIATION...ICP LONG TERM/MARINE/BEACH FORECAST...YZR
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service San Juan PR 509 AM AST Thu Sep 18 2025 AMZ711>745-PRZ001>013-191000- San Juan and Vicinity-Northeast-Southeast-Eastern Interior- North Central-Central Interior-Ponce and Vicinity-Northwest- Western Interior-Mayaguez and Vicinity-Southwest-Culebra-Vieques- The nearshore and off shore Atlantic and Caribbean Coastal Waters- 509 AM AST Thu Sep 18 2025 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of Puerto Rico. .DAY ONE...Today and Tonight .Lightning...Isolated to scattered thunderstorms are expected today. Be ready to stop outdoor activities and seek shelter if storms develop. When thunder roars, go indoors. .Excessive Rainfall...Heavy rains will cause flooding in urban areas, roads, and small streams across much of Puerto Rico, with the heaviest activity in the afternoon over the western interior to western and northwestern sections. There is a low chance of flash floods and landslides, especially where soils are already saturated. Brief ponding on roads and poor drainage areas is also possible, particularly across southwestern Puerto Rico. .Excessive Heat...This level of heat affects mainly those extremely sensitive to high temperatures, especially when outdoors without proper cooling or hydration. While the greatest threat is in urban and coastal areas of Puerto Rico, uncomfortable heat is likely everywhere. Take precautions: drink plenty of water, limit time outdoors, rest in shade or air conditioning, and wear light clothing. .Rip Currents...Life-threatening rip currents are possible along the north and east coasts of Puerto Rico and Culebra. Stronger currents may also occur elsewhere, especially near piers, jetties, and channels. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday An upper-level trough and daytime heating will keep triggering showers and thunderstorms over the next few days. While activity will become less widespread, flooding and landslides remain possible given weak steering winds and saturated soils, with localized afternoon storms persisting beyond the weekend. A moderate rip current risk will continue into early next week. Heat concerns will increase Friday and persist through the period, with the most dangerous conditions expected Friday through early next week as rainfall decreases, winds turn southerly, and humidity stays high. By midweek, a wind surge may bring locally breezy conditions and choppy seas. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation is encouraged. Please relay any information about flooding, winds, waves, and rip currents to the National Weather Service in San Juan. AMZ716-726-VIZ001-002-191000- St. Thomas St. John adjacent Islands-St Croix- Nearshore Atlantic and adjacent Caribbean Coastal Waters- 509 AM AST Thu Sep 18 2025 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of USVI. .DAY ONE...Today and Tonight .Lightning...Isolated thunderstorms. Stay alert and be prepared to take shelter if storms develop. .Excessive Rainfall...Ponding of water in roads and poorly drained areas. There is a low chance of localized urban and small streams flooding. .Excessive Heat...This level of heat affects mainly those extremely sensitive to high temperatures, especially when outdoors without proper cooling or hydration. While the greatest threat is in urban and coastal areas of Puerto Rico, uncomfortable heat is likely everywhere. Take precautions: drink plenty of water, limit time outdoors, rest in shade or air conditioning, and wear light clothing. .Rip Currents...Life-threatening rip currents are possible in St Croix. Stronger currents may also occur elsewhere, especially near piers, jetties, and channels. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday A moderate rip current risk will continue into early next week. Heat concerns will increase Friday and persist through the period, with the most dangerous conditions expected Friday through early next week as rainfall decreases, winds turn southerly, and humidity stays high. By midweek, a wind surge may bring locally breezy conditions and choppy seas. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation is encouraged. Please relay any information about flooding, winds, waves, and rip currents to the National Weather Service in San Juan.
The San Juan radar (TJUA), 22 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 10:47 UTC.
4 flood, 3 debris flow, 2 flash flood, 1 thunderstorm wind, 1 lightning. Local standard time, as filed.
Flooding was reported in the intersection of Moscu St. and Barcelona St. in Olympic Ville Par Pools. A person was stranded in the flooding.
Road PR-937 at km 0.6 in Las Piedras was partially closed due landslide.
Social media post reported strong winds at Ferreteria Los Nietos y Gelson Window Tint in Sector Ojo de Agua, Barrio Algarrobo.
Flooding was reported along a marginal street near PR-2, in front of a lumberyard store.
A landslide and vegetation material slide was blocking traffic on PR-119 (Las Marias St. - San German), Km 70.7.
Social media reported flooding and impassable roads at Avenida Luis Vigoreaux and Calle Sirio as Quebrada Margarita reached minor flood stage.
Broadcast media reported impassable roads at San Alfonso Avenue, near Wendys, Reyes Pharmacy #3.
A police officer was struck by lightning at the Policia de Puerto Rico: Comandancia Regional de Utuado. The officer was standing outside the building, sheltering under an umbrella, when he was struck by lightning.
A landslide was reported at PR-613, km 6.2, in Barrio Tetuan, eastern Utuado. The road was impassable; law enforcement and emergency managers urged citizens to take alternate routes.
Flooding was reported at PR-175, around km 10.5, between Rio Grande de Loiza (river) and Urb. El Conquistador. Part of the road was still passable, according to video footage.
Flooding was reported over a poorly drained area of Calle E near Quebrada Negrito (creek), Sector Las Pozas Kennedy Hills, Barrio Quebrada Negrito, Trujillo Alto. A vehicle attempted to cross the flooded area and became stranded.
As the offices recorded each death: direct deaths were caused by the weather itself, indirect ones by something it set in motion.
| Event | Date | Age | Sex | Where | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lightning, Utuado | 2025-09-22 | Male | Outside/Open Areas | Direct |
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Puerto Rico in 2025Every state in 2025This day in weather historyWarnings in Puerto Rico, September 2025
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: 1294706, 1294707, 1294771, 1294708, 1294774, 1294710, 1294711, 1294713, 1294776, 1294712, 1294714.