Coastal Flood · Puerto Rico

Coastal flooding occurred along PR-102 (Guanajibo Boulevard) near the mouth of the Guanajibo River in Mayagez during the morning of February 3, 2026. High surf caused waves to break over the shoreline and inundate the roadway, leaving debris, including small to large tree branches, across the street. Emergency managers responded to the scene and conducted debris removal operations. The flooding was associated with large breaking waves generated by a long-period northerly swell.

A large, long-period northwest to northerly swell affected the Atlantic waters and local passages of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands from February 2 through February 3, 2026. Seas built rapidly to 12-16 feet, with higher values observed during the peak of the event. Post-event analysis indicated that offshore seas reached 15 to 20 feet, with breaking waves along exposed coastlines estimated at 17 to 22 feet.

This swell generated dangerous marine conditions, large breaking waves, and life-threatening rip currents along north- to northeast-facing beaches, including areas from Rincn to Fajardo, as well as Culebra, Vieques, and the northern U.S. Virgin Islands. The most significant impacts occurred from late February 2 through February 3.

High surf conditions led to beach erosion, wave overwash, and minor to locally moderate coastal flooding in low-lying, vulnerable coastal areas, particularly during high tide.