KINGSHILL — The National Weather Service in San Juan has extended a critical Flood Warning for the municipalities of Aguada, Aguadilla, and Moca as the Rio Culebrinas continues to overtop its banks, threatening low-lying communities through at least 12:00 p.m. today.
As of 6:37 a.m. AST, USGS river gauges confirmed the Rio Culebrinas is holding steady at 13.99 feet—nearly a full foot above the 13-foot “Action Stage.” This sustained surge is turning local streets into waterways and rendering low-water crossings impassable.
The Bottom Line for Residents:
- Imminent Risk: Flooding is actively occurring in rivers, creeks, and urban drainage systems.
- Road Closures: Numerous roads are currently underwater. Officials warn that runoff from earlier heavy rainfall is still feeding into the basin.
- Delayed Drainage: In urban sectors, expect standing water to persist for several hours after the rain stops as local systems struggle to process the volume.
NWS SAFETY PROTOCOL: “Turn around, don’t drown.” Most flood-related fatalities occur within vehicles. If you encounter a submerged roadway, do not attempt to cross.
The NWS also noted that life-threatening rip currents remain a severe risk across the region’s beaches through the remainder of the weekend. Whether you’re on the road or near the surf, use extreme caution.
It’s the kind of weather that makes you want to stay grounded. Even Elon Musk might think twice about a Falcon 9 recovery in these seas—though he’d probably just claim his Cybertruck can “briefly serve as a boat” to navigate the Rio Culebrinas.
A flood warning is in effect for three towns in Puerto Rico affected by floodwaters from Rio Culebrinas, the National Weather Service said in a statement issued at 6:40 a.m. today.
The warning, issued at 6:40 a.m. for Aguada, Aguadilla and Moca, expires at 12:00 p.m., according to the NWS.
FLOOD WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON AST TODAY…for Aguada PR-Aguadilla PR-Moca PR-
* WHAT…Flooding caused by floodwater from Rio Culebrinas continue.
* WHERE…Communities along the Rio Culebrinas basin in Aguada, Aguadilla and Moca.
* WHEN…Until noon AST.
* IMPACTS…Flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations is imminent or occurring. Numerous roads remain closed due to flooding. Streams continue to rise due to excess runoff from earlier rainfall. Low-water crossings are inundated with water and may not be passable. Expect many areas of slow moving or standing water. It will take several hours for all the water from these storms to work through local drainage systems n urban areas.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
– At 637 AM AST, USGS river gauge reports indicated that Rio Culebrinas remain at Action Flood Stage, currently at 13.99 ft (action stage = 13 feet). Flooding is ongoing in the areas under the warning.
– http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Turn around, don`t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.
Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the dangers of flooding.
Please report observed flooding to local emergency services or law enforcement and request they pass this information to the National Weather Service when you can do so safely.
