Government activates emergency protocol as weather system nears Puerto Rico

NWS warning coordinator Ernesto Morales

By The Star Staff

The government is closely monitoring a tropical system that could bring heavy rainfall to the island. On Thursday, Public Affairs Secretary Hiram Torres Montalvo, Public Safety Secretary Arthur Garffer, Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA) executive president Luis González, Emergency Management and Disaster Administration Bureau (NMEAD) commissioner Ángel Jiménez Colón, National Weather Service (NWS) warning coordinator Ernesto Morales, Energy Czar Josué Colón, and Natural and Environmental Resources Secretary Waldemar Quiles provided an update on preparedness efforts.

A tropical wave located in the central Atlantic shows potential for cyclonic development and could become a tropical depression by late this week or over the weekend. The system is expected to move near or north of Puerto Rico, bringing increased showers, thunderstorms, isolated wind gusts, elevated seas, and hazardous marine conditions.

In addition, swells from Hurricane Erin are forecast to reach Puerto Rico’s Atlantic waters starting Friday afternoon and persist throughout the weekend. The NWS may issue advisories for dangerous rip currents and strong surf.

“We are at the peak of hurricane season, making it essential to stay prepared and pay close attention to official bulletins for any system that could impact our region,” said Ernesto Morales, NWS warning coordinator.

In response, DSP Secretary Arthur Garffer and NMEAD Commissioner Jiménez Colón confirmed continued coordination with Governor Jenniffer González Colón and other government agencies to ensure municipalities—Puerto Rico’s first line of response—receive the necessary support.

“Today we completed pre-checks across all systems and equipment, and I can state with certainty that the Department of Public Safety is ready to respond quickly and effectively if needed. While the systems currently under watch do not pose an immediate threat to Puerto Rico, we remain in active preparedness and constant coordination with state and federal agencies. Our commitment is clear: to protect the lives and safety of all island residents,” Garffer emphasized.