Rip Current — North Central, Puerto Rico

2024-11-17 · North Central, Puerto Rico

Event narrative

A 40-year-old male tourist from Michigan drowned at La Cueva del Indio, near road PR-681 in the Islote sector of Arecibo. According to reports, he was caught in a rip current.

Wider weather episode

A long period northerly swell created hazardous coastal conditions along the north-facing beaches of PR and the US Virgin Islands during the third weekend of November. The exposed Atlantic coastline were impacted by breaking waves between 8 and 15 feet. Additionally, the full moon phase exacerbated conditions, with isolated coastal flooding along the most vulnerable beaches of northern PR. Coastal Flood Advisories, High Surf Advisories and High Risk of Rip Currents were in effect. One rip current related drowning occurred in Arecibo.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1216960. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.