Debris Flow — Western Interior, Puerto Rico

2011-05-14 · Western Interior, Puerto Rico

Event narrative

A mudslide was reported at Barrio Tanama, Road 526, Km 5.7 in the municipality of Adjuntas.

Wider weather episode

A broad trough associated with a persistent surface low north of the area and a wide northeast to southwest swath of moisture south of Puerto Rico moved very slowly east and created a highly unstable environment across the local area. This instability led to the development of very strong thunderstorms. The thunderstorms first affected the municipality of Trujillo Alto then eventually spread north and east towards the northeast sections of Puerto Rico, producing pea to marble size hail, and isolated cases of quarter size hail at Villas de Carraizo, and strong gusty winds between 40 and 60 mph across several municipalities. Many downed trees were reported at and near the Outlets Mall parking in Canovanas, a few vehicles were damaged, as the trees fell on top. Other municipalities of the northeast like Fajardo reported numerous downed trees, pea size hail, and some homes with partial zinc roof damage.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 291187. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.