By The Star Staff
The National Weather Service (NWS) in San Juan has issued an excessive rainfall and flooding alert for Puerto Rico through this afternoon.
According to the NWS, the island faces a high to significant risk of flooding, ranging from urban and small stream flooding to potentially deadly flash floods, due to a combination of abundant moisture and unstable atmospheric conditions exacerbated by a high-level trough. On Tuesday, flash flood warnings were issued for Barranquitas, Comerio, Orocovis, Ciales, Corozal, Morovis, Carolina, San Juan and Trujillo Alto.
The hardest-hit areas pose a significant risk where flooding could enter structures and isolate communities. The alert level is caused by already saturated soils and river flows that are above normal.
With water accumulation on roads and poorly drained areas likely, the NWS warned residents and visitors to take extreme precautions and avoid driving on flooded roads.
Everyone in the region is advised to stay informed and prepared to respond to changing conditions.
In a separate announcement on Wednesday, the NWS confirmed that a category EF-0 tornado touched down in the vicinity of Cambalache in Arecibo last Thursday at 4:58 p.m.
The phenomenon, which originated over the sea as a water spout and then evolved into a tornado upon reaching the coast, traveled a distance of 4.48 miles with estimated winds of 75 miles per hour, affecting mainly mangrove areas and causing minor damage to vegetation and street signs.
Despite the strength of the event, no injuries were reported. Damage included several large trees and branches falling, as well as small signs and some tents being swept away due to high winds. The tornado diminished in intensity and quickly dissipated, not spreading beyond the immediate vicinity of its path.
Local authorities and emergency teams conducted a full damage assessment and continue to monitor the situation. Residents are urged to keep an eye out for updates and follow safety recommendations issued by the NWS and emergency management agencies.