The National Weather Service (NWS) warned Thursday of the possibility of more significant rainfall in Puerto Rico and the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) in the coming days, due to a combination of troughs in the middle and upper atmosphere. and higher than normal moisture levels coming from a nearly stationary front.

The situation will create ideal conditions for the development of thunderstorms, especially between today and Saturday morning.

It was expected that areas in northern and eastern Puerto Rico, as well as Vieques, Culebra and the USVI, could receive precipitation accumulations of between 3 and 4 inches, with locally higher amounts reaching as much as 6 inches in some areas. Precipitation accumulations of between 1 and 3 inches were expected across the rest of the region.

Due to the potential for prolonged and heavy rainfall, the flash flood warning would remain in effect until Saturday morning. The advisory warned of the risk of flash floods and river flooding, which could reach flood levels, as well as the possibility of landslides in areas with steep terrain.

In addition to rainfall, a high risk of hazardous maritime conditions, including strong currents, was also expected for at least the entire weekend. The NWS has issued a small craft advisory and a high surf advisory for north-facing beaches in Puerto Rico through Friday afternoon.

The public was urged to stay informed about the potential risks of excessive rainfall and hazardous marine conditions through the NWS’s Experimental Graphical Hazard Weather Outlook, and to take precautions in the event of flooding or rip currents on beaches.

The extended rain warning came after the NWS issued several flood warnings for several parts of Puerto Rico on Thursday due to heavy rainfall caused by intense storms that had affected much of the island.

The rainfall caused flooding in urban areas and small streams, affecting areas with poor drainage and raising river and stream levels.

In the municipality of Humacao, an accumulation of between 7 and 10 centimeters of rain was recorded by Thursday afternoon, mainly in areas near Quebrada Los Muertos and sectors such as Urb Villa Oriente. Local authorities reported flooding on highway PR-909.

In Maunabo, meanwhile, trained weather observers reported accumulations of between 5 and 10 inches of rain, with additional rainfall of up to 8 inches expected. Areas such as Emajagua, Playita and Palo Seco experienced rising flows and possible road flooding due to soil saturation.

For the Ceiba and Fajardo areas, the NWS maintained a flash flood warning through this morning. Up to 15 centimeters of rain was recorded in some areas, affecting major roads such as Lauro Piñeiro Avenue and PR-3 in areas such as Roosevelt Gardens and Colonia Santa María.

In Yabucoa, rainfall caused accumulations of up to 15 centimeters, affecting areas such as Jardines de Yabucoa and parts of the PR-901 and PR-3 highways. Local authorities reported active flooding in those areas and warned that the risk of flash flooding remains as long as the rain continues.

The NWS strongly encouraged residents in affected areas to avoid flooded areas and follow instructions from local authorities.