By The Star Staff
The National Weather Service (NWS) announced Monday that a significant rainfall and strong gusty winds is expected this week caused by a trough that would mostly affect the southern, inland and eastern parts of Puerto Rico.
“The NWS forecast is that between Tuesday and Wednesday, we could see rainfall accumulation of between two and four inches, and up to six inches in some sectors, so we call on citizens not to cross flooded roads, take precautions if you live in flood areas, and it is not the time to visit rivers or beaches,” said Emergency Management and Disaster Administration Bureau (NMEAD by its Spanish acronym) Commissioner Nino Correa Filomeno in a written statement. “We must be aware of the weather conditions and avoid misfortunes.”
Ernesto Morales, a meteorologist and warnings coordinator at the NWS, added that the event could increase the risk of urban and flash flooding, as well as river floods and landslides.
“Citizens have to be attentive to the development of this atmospheric system, since in the worst case, this event could bring significant rainfall across the Caribbean region and dangerous maritime conditions,” Morales said.
Public Safety (DSP) Secretary Alexis Torres Ríos and Correa Filomeno noted that the DSP bureaus and the NMEAD operational zones have been activated in order to respond to any eventuality. NMEAD maintains constant communication with all municipal emergency management offices on the island, along with municipal police and the U.S. Coast Guard.
More information can be found by accessing NMEAD’s social networks. To report any emergency, call or text 9-1-1 to request assistance from the appropriate agencies.